Wild rice is a tall plant found growing in shallow waters, especially around the Great Lakes in southern Canada and several northern states of the United States. Its seeds were one of the main foods of various North American Native Americans, especially those living in what is today Manitoba, Canada. It was gathered by beating the long blades with paddles, which causes the seeds to drop from the plants. Today, it is sown and harvested as a specialty food for epicurean shops and health food stores.
Health Benefits of Wild Rice
Wild rice grows naturally and is prepared for market without preservatives or additives. It is very high in protein, has practically no fat and is a good source of zinc, iron, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. Wild rice needs careful washing, and soaking the rice for several hours reduces the cooking time.
Plain Wild Rice
Serves 3 to 4
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup wild rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
- Rinse rice well, then place the rice into a pot with a tightly fitting cover. Add the water and salt.
- Bring rice to a boil, then simmer for 40 minutes to 1 hour or until the rice opens in curls.
- Remove rice from the heat. Let stand, then drain any excess water from the rice, if necessary, and fluff with a fork.
Ingredients:
- Butter, for pan
- 6 slices of crisp bacon
- 1 1/2 cups wild rice, cooked
- 2 tablespoons minced onion
- 1/3 cup sliced mushrooms
- 3/4 cup freshly grated mozarella cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt, pepper and paprika, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch pie plate and arrange the bacon, rice, onion and mushrooms as evenly as possible in the pie plate.
- Sprinkle the cheese over top of the rice mixture and pat it lightly on top of the rice.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, nutmeg, salt, pepper and paprika.
- Pour egg mixture over the rice and bake for about 30 minutes. Serve hot or lukewarm.
Wild Rice Ring
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sliced onions
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus more butter for greasing mold
- 1 cup cooked wild rice
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350F. Sauté onions in olive oil with the curry powder until the onions are soft and translucent, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Generously butter a 7-inch ring mold and set aside. Mix the cooked wild rice, melted butter and sautéed onions together and place the mixture in a buttered 7-inch ring mold.
- Set filled mold in a pan of hot water and bake for about 25 minutes. Loosen with a wet knife, slip onto a platter and fill the center with desired filling.
Join the Conversation