Rice Pilaf with Cranberries Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice (rinsed)
• 2 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium, or chicken broth if preferred)
• 1 cup water
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
• 1 small carrot (finely diced)
• 1 celery stalk (finely diced)
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 0.5 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 0.25 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
• 0.5 cup walnuts (toasted & chopped)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 0.25 tsp dried thyme)
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for brightness)