A deliciously nutritious multi-grain pilaf with wild rice, wheat berries, brown rice, toasted chopped pecans and sweet-tart dried cherries.

Multi-Grain Cherry Pilaf

1/3 cup wild rice
1/3 cup wheat berries
1 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons dry rubbed sage
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/3 cup brown rice
1 cup dried tart cherries
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted

1. Rinse wild rice and wheat berries under cold running water. Drain well. In a medium saucepan, cook onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat about 4 minutes or until tender. Stir in drained wild rice and wheat berries, chicken broth, sage and pepper. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 30 minutes.
2. Stir brown rice into wild rice mixture. Return to boiling. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, about 45 minutes, or until grains are tender. (If excess liquid remains in saucepan after grains are tender, remove lid and simmer until liquid evaporates.)
3. Stir cherries and toasted pecans into rice mixture. Serve warm.

Makes 6 (2/3 cup) servings.

To toast pecans: Spread pecans in an ungreased pan. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until brown.

Recipe provided courtesy of the Cherry Marketing Institute.