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Say goodbye to jasmine and basmati rice thanks to this vibrant, intensely flavorful, and antioxidant-rich Wild Rice Recipe. Get ready to shake up your cooking routine with wild rice thanks to its nutty taste and chewy texture.
Bored with White Rice?
Rice is one of my all-time favorite carbohydrates. It absorbs flavors and is extremely versatile. Unfortunately, many people only consider two types of rice: white and brown rice.
But why limit yourself to plain white rice when you can experiment with different colors and textures?
Wild rice, for example, is a great option to shake up your rice game.
What Is Wild Rice?
Surprisingly, wild rice, is not rice at all! But that doesn’t make it any less tasty!
Wild rice is a type of aquatic grass that is native to North America. This whole grain has recently grown in popularity because it’s high in nutrients and is thought to have numerous health benefits.
It is also a much healthier alternative to jasmine and basmati rice, as it is a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, its unique flavor and texture make it a great substitute for traditional rice dishes.
Wild rice is also naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable grain alternative for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Though it is more expensive and takes longer to cook, the benefits are well worth incorporating wild rice into your healthy diet.
A Must Try!
Why You Should Add Wild Rice to Your Dinner Menu
- Nutritional value: Wild rice is a nutritious grain that is high in fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. It contains more protein and fiber than * regular white rice, making it a healthier option.
- Unique flavor and texture: Wild rice has a distinct nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture, which can add a delightful contrast to various dishes. Its rich taste pairs well with a wide range of ingredients, making it a versatile ingredient in different cuisines.
- Gluten-free and low in Fat: For individuals with dietary restrictions or those looking to reduce gluten intake, wild rice is an excellent choice as it is naturally gluten-free. Additionally, it is low in fat, making it a healthy alternative to other starches.
Going Wild with Rice
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Wild rice is a unique type of grain that is chewy and flavorful. It contains more protein than regular rice, as well as several important nutrients, an impressive amount of antioxidants, and a healthy dose of fiber.
Wild rice takes a little longer to cook than regular rice. It’s done when cooked down to a chewy yet tender texture.
This wild rice recipe is ideal for making ahead of time. You can have it ready several hours ahead of time. If you need to reheat your wild rice pilaf, sprinkle it with broth to re-moisten it slightly and microwave covered until hot.
Cultivated vs. wild-grown are the two most common types of wild rice. Cultivated wild rice is farmed rice, whereas wild-grown rice is harvested by hand near the Minnesota and Canadian borders.
Wild rice is a nutritious grain that contains fewer calories and more protein than brown rice. It’s also gluten-free and high in antioxidants, zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium, to name a few nutrients.
Nature’s Nutrient-Rich Treasure
Top Tips
- Store uncooked wild rice in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- Wild rice pairs well with various ingredients like vegetables, mushrooms, nuts, dried fruits, and proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish.
- Use cooked wild rice as a base for salads, stuffings, pilafs, or as a side dish.
- Incorporate wild rice into soups or casseroles for added texture and flavor.
- Once the wild rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes. Then, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and prevent clumping.
- Cooked wild rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days in a sealed container.
- If you want to store cooked wild rice for a longer period, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- It’s worth noting that there are different species and varieties of wild rice, each with its own specific characteristics. Additionally, some commercial products labeled as “wild rice” may contain a mix of true wild rice and cultivated varieties.
Serve It with Your Favorite Protein
Wild Rice Recipe Ingredients
- wild rice
- water or chicken/ vegetable broth
- butter
- olive oil
- bouillon cubes if using water
- carrots, finely diced
- onions, finely diced
- salt
(Scroll down for recipe details.)
Other Rice Recipes You Must Try:
- Flavorful Garlic Butter Rice
- Layered Rice Veggie Pilaf with Chicken Thighs (Chicken Kabsa)
- Ground Meat Rice and Chicken (Roz w Jeij)
- Mansaf (Lebanese Rice with Meat)
- Cajun Rice
- Perfect White Vermicelli Rice
- Easy Kabsa with Beef Shanks
- Chinese Mushroom Chicken over Beef Hotlink Rice
- Lebanese Lentils and Rice Recipe (Mujadaret Roz)
- Creamy Chickpea Curry Stew
Wild Rice Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- To a small medium pot, heat butter and olive oil then add the finely diced carrots and onions.
- Sauté until onions are translucent and carrots are soft. Add in the wild rice, 2 bouillon cubes, water or broth, and salt. (omit adding the bouillon if you’re adding chicken or a vegetable broth).
- Bring to a boil, stir, cover, then lower to simmer and cook for 45 minutes.
Notes
- Store uncooked wild rice in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- Wild rice pairs well with various ingredients like vegetables, mushrooms, nuts, dried fruits, and proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish.
- Use cooked wild rice as a base for salads, stuffings, pilafs, or as a side dish.
- Incorporate wild rice into soups or casseroles for added texture and flavor.
- Cooked wild rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days in a sealed container.
- If you want to store cooked wild rice for a longer period, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
