Stovetop Wild Rice Blend: How Long To Cook?

Wild rice is a versatile grain with a nutty flavor and chewy texture that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, casseroles, and side dishes. Despite its name, wild rice is not actually rice but rather the seed of a species of aquatic grass that grows primarily in the Great Lakes region of North America. It has a high nutritional value, being gluten-free, low in fat, and high in protein, fiber, and lysine. When cooking wild rice on a stovetop, it is recommended to use a ratio of 1 cup of wild rice to 3-4 cups of water or broth, and the cooking time is typically around 40-50 minutes. The rice is done when it has a chewy texture and some of the grains have burst open.

Rinse the rice

Rinsing rice is an important step in preparing a tasty dish. It is necessary to remove the excess starch that coats the exterior of each grain, which can cause the rice to become sticky and gummy as it cooks. The amount of rinsing required depends on the type of rice being used. For white rice, a more thorough rinse is needed to remove the layer of starch on the outside, whereas brown rice does not require as much rinsing as the outer layer is still on and provides some protection.

There are a few different methods for rinsing rice. One way is to use a bowl and fill it with enough water to cover the rice by about an inch. Agitate the rice by stirring it with your hands or scrubbing it between your hands, and then pour out the starchy water. Repeat this process until the water becomes relatively clear. This method is suitable for white rice.

Another method is to use a colander or a fine-mesh strainer and place it under cold running water. Shake the strainer gently while rinsing until the water runs clear. This method is suitable for brown, whole-grain, wild, or red rice.

It is important to note that you should not rinse the rice until the water runs completely clear, as this may remove too many nutrients and affect the fragrance, flavour, and texture of the rice. Additionally, rinsing rice does not have a significant impact on reducing arsenic levels, as this is mostly found in the bran and germ of the rice, which are removed during the milling process for white rice.

By rinsing the wild rice blend before cooking, you will ensure that the individual grains remain separated and achieve a fluffier texture. So, remember to give your wild rice blend a good rinse before cooking it on the stovetop!

Add rice and liquid to a pan

When adding rice and liquid to a pan, you will need to use a medium-sized saucepan. The amount of liquid you add will depend on whether you are cooking a wild rice blend or pure wild rice. For a wild rice blend, you will need to combine 1 cup of wild rice blend with 1 3/4 cups of liquid (water or broth). If you are cooking pure wild rice, the ratio is 1 cup of wild rice to 3 or 4 cups of liquid. You can use water, chicken or vegetable broth, or a mix of water and broth.

Place the rice and liquid in the saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. You can also add salt to taste. Once the liquid is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Allow the rice to simmer for 40-45 minutes for a wild rice blend, or 45-60 minutes for pure wild rice. The rice is done when it is tender but still has a slight bite, and some of the grains have burst open.

After the rice has finished cooking, remove it from the heat and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Drain any excess liquid using a fine-mesh strainer, and fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Bring to a boil

To cook a wild rice blend on a stovetop, start by combining the rice, water or broth, and salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat. The ratio of liquid to wild rice blend should be 3:1, or 1 3/4 cups of liquid for every cup of wild rice blend.

Next, bring the mixture to a boil. This is done over high heat. Once the liquid is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer. The rice should simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until all the liquid has evaporated.

After simmering, let the rice rest on the stovetop for about 10 minutes. Then, fluff it with a fork and serve.

Simmer for 45-60 minutes

Once your wild rice blend has been brought to a boil, it's time to reduce the heat to a simmer and place a lid on the saucepan. The rice should be cooked at a simmer for 45-60 minutes. Check the rice after 45 minutes. It should be chewy, and some of the grains will have burst open. Depending on the blend, it may need an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Keep checking the rice and stop cooking when the grains are tender.

Wild rice is a tough seed that absorbs water slowly, so it's important to be patient and allow the rice to cook thoroughly. If you're short on time, you can speed up the cooking process by soaking your rice in cold water overnight, which will cut the total cooking time by half. However, if you decide to soak your wild rice, make sure to do so for no more than 2-3 hours, as the rice will start to burst open before cooking if soaked for too long.

While your rice is simmering, you can prepare other ingredients to add to your dish. Wild rice blends well with sautéed mushrooms, onions, fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley or sage, dried fruits such as apricots or cherries, and nuts like almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios.

Drain and season

Once your wild rice blend has finished cooking, it's time to drain the excess liquid. Place a strainer or colander in your sink and carefully pour the rice and any remaining liquid into it. Allow the rice to sit in the strainer for a few moments to ensure that all the excess liquid has been drained.

Now it's time to season your rice. Return the rice to the pot and cover it with a clean dish towel. Place the lid on the pot and let the rice steam for about 10 minutes. This will ensure that your rice is fully tender and fluffy.

After the rice has steamed, it's time to fluff it with a fork. Gently mix the rice with a fork to separate any grains that have clumped together. This will give your rice a light and airy texture.

Finally, you can season your rice with a variety of ingredients. A simple option is to dress the rice with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add some freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or sage. If you're looking for a nuttier flavor, try mixing in some almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios. For a fruity twist, you can add dried apricots or cherries.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of seasonings and ingredients to find your favorite flavor profile. Enjoy your delicious and perfectly cooked wild rice blend!

Frequently asked questions