Wild Rice



I forgot where I found this box of Wild Rice. I think it was at Smith's, but I can't promise you that. I do remember it cost one hundred and forty nine pennies.

 

 

 

Fun fact: My Dad only buys Jasmine Rice - for those of you who are on a need-to-know-basis.

More fun facts: Wild Rice really isn't rice. It's technically the seed grain of a species of grass. It was once a staple of the Native Americans inhabiting the Great Lakes region. It's also very seldom "wild" anymore since the 1950's when it was 1st cultivated in Minnesota.

To give a ballpark estimate, think 3:1 ratio as far as water to wild rice ratio goes when boiling. Be aware that once the wild rice is cooked, there will be leftover cooking liquid. If you're so precise and perfect that you can cook wild rice with no leftover liquid - well pin a rose on your nose & give yourself a cookie. Nobody cares.

 

rinse

 

my happy little set-up



after 43min covered and boiling



Wild Rice is nice to add to stuffings (Thanksgiving), orzo salads, rice-a-roni, mixed with quinoa, and basically a new/fun addition to throw in to regular steamed rice (Jasmine of course) for a jazzed up twist during this boring month that is September. Or go crazy and make it into a salad with canned beets, some bleu cheese, hulled pumpkin seeds (the green ones) and/or pistachios. Or go super crazy and make it into another salad with roasted squash, dried cranberries and a splash of balsamic. Use your imagination.

Wild Rice Health Benefits:
Gluten Free * Low in fat * High in Lysine (amino acid) * High in Fiber

Also, Wild Rice is quite high in protein. It comes in behind oats and ahead of quinoa as having the 2nd highest protein content per 100 calories!
You know what they saaay: First is the Worst. Second is the Best.