Wild rice dressing

Wild Rice Dressing Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Wild rice dressing is a flavorful and hearty side dish that is perfect for any holiday meal or special occasion. This recipe combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the earthy taste of mushrooms and the crunch of water chestnuts, creating a dish that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Wild rice dressing has been a staple in many Midwestern households for generations. Originally a Native American dish, wild rice has been enjoyed for its unique flavor and nutritional benefits for centuries. This recipe puts a modern twist on a classic dish, incorporating ingredients like mushrooms and water chestnuts for added texture and flavor.

Ingredients

0.25 cup uncooked wild rice
1.25 cup water
0.5 cup chopped onion
0.25 cup brown rice
1.5 tbsp chicken bouillon (vegetarian)
0.5 tbsp dried thyme
0.13 tbsp pepper
2 cup fresh sliced mushrooms
0.5 cup chopped celery
0.5 cup chopped water chestnuts
instant granules

How to prepare

Rinse the wild rice in a strainer under cold running water for 1 minute. In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice, water, onion, brown rice, bouillon granules, thyme, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 45 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms, celery, and water chestnuts into the rice mixture. Bring it back to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until the celery is just tender, stirring occasionally. This recipe serves 8 and is by John Wilson from Lansing, Michigan.

Variations

Add dried cranberries or chopped pecans for a sweet and nutty twist.
Substitute quinoa for the brown rice for a gluten-free option.
Mix in cooked sausage or bacon for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the wild rice before cooking to remove any excess starch.

- For a vegetarian version of this recipe, use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken bouillon.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite herbs and spices for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this wild rice dressing alongside roasted turkey or chicken for a complete and satisfying meal. It also pairs well with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the rice mixture covered to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

- Swap out the mushrooms for diced bell peppers or zucchini.

Make Ahead Tips

This wild rice dressing can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the wild rice dressing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a beautiful and flavorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this wild rice dressing with a glass of white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

120

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 23g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 1g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 2%

- Vitamin C: 4%

- Calcium: 2%

- Iron: 6%

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

This wild rice dressing is a nutritious and delicious side dish that is low in fat and calories. It is a good source of carbohydrates and protein, making it a satisfying addition to any meal.

Summary

Wild rice dressing is a versatile and delicious side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its nutty flavor and hearty texture, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for wild rice dressing. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town nestled in the mountains. My grandmother, a wonderful cook herself, had passed down many recipes to me over the years. But this one was different. It was a recipe that she had acquired from a dear friend who had traveled to the far reaches of the world and brought back with her a love for exotic flavors and ingredients.

The first time I tasted this wild rice dressing, I was instantly hooked. The nutty flavor of the wild rice combined with the sweetness of the dried cranberries and the crunch of the pecans was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. I had never tasted anything quite like it before, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

I approached my grandmother with the recipe in hand, eager to learn the secrets of this delicious dish. She smiled at me and took the recipe, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Ah, wild rice dressing," she said, her voice filled with nostalgia. "I remember the first time I made this dish. It was many years ago, when I was just a young bride living in the city. My friend Maryanne had just returned from her travels, and she brought back with her this wonderful recipe. I was so intrigued by the flavors and ingredients that I just had to try it for myself."

As my grandmother began to walk me through the steps of making the wild rice dressing, I could see the love and care that she put into each and every ingredient. She showed me how to cook the wild rice until it was tender and fluffy, how to toast the pecans until they were golden brown and fragrant, and how to rehydrate the dried cranberries in warm water so that they plumped up and added a burst of sweetness to the dish.

But the most important lesson that my grandmother taught me that day was not just about the ingredients or the cooking techniques. It was about the spirit of generosity and friendship that went into sharing a recipe with someone else. She told me that recipes were meant to be passed down from generation to generation, from friend to friend, with love and care woven into every step.

I took her words to heart as I made my first batch of wild rice dressing. I followed her instructions to the letter, taking my time to toast the pecans just right and cook the wild rice until it was perfectly tender. When I took my first bite, I was transported back to that moment when I first tasted the dish at my grandmother's table. The flavors were just as magical as I remembered, and I knew that I had done justice to the recipe that had captured my heart.

Over the years, I have made this wild rice dressing countless times, each time with a sense of joy and gratitude for the friend who shared it with my grandmother, and for my grandmother who shared it with me. It has become a staple at our family gatherings, a dish that is always met with smiles and satisfied bellies.

As I sit here now, writing down the story of how I learned to make this wild rice dressing, I am filled with a sense of contentment and pride. I am proud to carry on the tradition of sharing recipes with loved ones, just as my grandmother did with me. And I know that as long as I continue to cook with love and care, the flavors of this dish will always bring joy and warmth to those who taste it.

So here it is, my dear friends and family, the recipe for wild rice dressing that has brought me so much joy over the years. May you make it with love and share it with those you hold dear, just as I have done with you. And may the flavors of this dish fill your hearts with happiness and your bellies with delight, just as they have done for me.

With love and gratitude,

Your grandmother