Perfectly Cooking Organic Wild Brown Rice Blend Sprouts

Sprouted wild rice is not actually rice but an aquatic grass native to North America. It is usually harvested from lakes and slow-roasted (parched) to preserve the grains. It is delicious when soaked in water and can also be cooked. Sprouted brown rice is also a popular choice as it reaches its maximum nutritional value and packs more magnesium, potassium and four times the amount of fiber than un-sprouted brown rice. It is also easy to cook and can be used in soups, curries, side dishes, and casseroles. The cooking time for organic wild brown rice blend sprouts varies depending on the method used. It can be cooked on a stovetop, in a rice cooker, microwave, or pressure cooker. The stovetop method takes around 40-45 minutes, while the rice cooker method takes about 45-55 minutes. The microwave method is not recommended as it takes longer and it is difficult to get the right texture. The pressure cooker method is faster and more convenient.

Soaking and sprouting

To begin, you will need some raw legumes, grains, or seeds. It is recommended to use the freshest options available, which you can usually find in the bulk section or pasta and canned goods aisles of most grocery stores. Once you have your chosen legumes, grains, or seeds, thoroughly rinse them and place them in a clean, sterile jar. Cover them with filtered water that rises 2-3 inches above the level of the legumes, grains, or seeds.

For wild rice, it is recommended to soak 1/3 to 1 cup of rice in cool water for 4-24 hours. After the initial soaking period, drain off the soak water and rinse and drain with cool water every 8-12 hours. Wild rice does not need light, so keep your sprouter in a low-light location. You can harvest on day 2 or 3 and then refrigerate your crop.

For brown rice, the process is similar. Soak 1/3 to 1 cup of rice in cool water for 12 hours. After the initial soak, drain off the water and rinse and drain with cool water every 8-12 hours. Again, brown rice sprouts do not need light, so keep them in a low-light location. You can harvest on day 2 or 3 when most of the grains have short roots, and then refrigerate.

For legumes, such as brown lentils, the process is slightly different. Soak the legumes for 8-12 hours in ample water. After the initial soak, rinse and drain thoroughly. Then, every 8-12 hours, rinse and drain again until the legumes sprout. Most people prefer legumes sprouted small. You can stop when you see sprouts, or let them grow a little longer until they develop tiny leaves, which takes about a week. Once you are happy with the length of the sprouts, make sure they are dry to the touch and store them in the refrigerator.

By following these simple steps, you can easily soak and sprout your own wild brown rice blend sprouts at home.

Stovetop cooking

Ingredients:

• Organic wild brown rice blend sprouts
• Water or broth (chicken or vegetable)
• Salt
• Butter or oil (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Rinse the sprouts: Place the sprouts in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse them under cold running water. Shake to remove excess water.
• Prepare the cooking liquid: For every cup of sprouts, measure out 3 cups of water or broth. You can also add salt to taste. If you want a more flavourful dish, consider using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
• Bring the sprouts and liquid to a boil: Combine the sprouts and liquid in a saucepan. Place the saucepan on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Reduce the heat and simmer: Once the liquid comes to a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low. Allow the sprouts to simmer gently. Cover the saucepan with a lid to retain moisture and ensure even cooking.
• Cook the sprouts: Continue cooking the sprouts at a gentle simmer. The cooking time will vary depending on your stovetop and the consistency you prefer. For al dente sprouts, cook for 40-45 minutes. If you prefer them softer, extend the cooking time to 50-60 minutes. Stir the sprouts occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Drain and fluff the sprouts: When the sprouts are tender, drain off any excess liquid. You can use a fine-mesh strainer or colander for this step. Gently fluff the sprouts with a fork to separate the grains and serve.

Tips and Variations:

• For a more flavourful dish, you can cook the sprouts in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
• If you want to add extra flavour to your sprouts, try sautéing them with vegetables, herbs, or spices before cooking.
• Wild rice blends pair well with nuts, herbs, and dried fruits. Try adding almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, thyme, parsley, or apricots to your dish.
• If you have leftover cooked sprouts, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 6 months.

Rice cooker method

If you like the hands-off approach of a rice cooker, it is easy to cook wild rice in a rice cooker. I own an Aroma rice cooker and it delivers perfectly cooked wild rice every time.

Rub the rice cooker insert with a tablespoon of butter or vegetable oil. This will help prevent the rice from sticking to the insert.

Add 1 cup of wild rice, 2 cups of water, and a ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Give it a stir to mix the ingredients.

Select the brown rice (or white rice) option and let it cook. In my experience, it took about 45-55 minutes for wild rice to cook in a rice cooker.

When the cooking cycle is completed, let the rice rest for 10 minutes and then fluff it with a fork before serving.

Soaking the Rice

Soaking the rice before cooking is not necessary, but it can help reduce the cooking time by up to 50%. If you decide to soak your wild rice, place it in a bowl and fill it with enough water to cover the rice. Let it sit on the kitchen counter for no more than 2-3 hours. If you let it soak for longer, the wild rice will burst open before cooking.

Storing Cooked Rice

Once you have cooked your rice, it should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

You can also freeze cooked rice to extend its shelf life. Be sure to drain the rice first and then place it in airtight containers or jars. It will keep fresh for up to 6 months. I recommend freezing in small (1-cup) quantities so you can easily grab the amount you need. Remember to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before using it.

Microwave cooking

Cooking organic wild brown rice blend sprouts in the microwave is not recommended, as it takes a long time and it is challenging to get the right texture. However, if you want to try it, here is a general guide:

• Place 1 cup of wild rice, 3 cups of water, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir the ingredients.
• Use a large enough microwave-safe plate to cover the bowl.
• Microwave on full power for 6 minutes. Then, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the rice. It will be very hot, so be cautious.
• Microwave on medium (50%) power for 25-30 minutes. After removing from the microwave, let the rice rest on the counter for 10 minutes.
• Most of the water should be absorbed, and the wild rice should be fully cooked and tender. If not, microwave it while covered with the plate in full-power intervals of 1 minute until it is thoroughly cooked.

Instant Pot/pressure cooker method

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Rinsing the rice is optional but recommended. Place the rice in a colander and rinse under cold water, then drain.

Step 2: Add Rice and Liquid to the Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker

Transfer the rice to the Instant Pot/pressure cooker. The amount of liquid you need will depend on the brand of rice and your personal preference for rice texture. As a general rule, the ratio of rice to water/liquid is 1:1, but some sources suggest a ratio of 1:1 1/3 or 1:1 1/2 for wild rice blends. You can use water, chicken broth, bone broth, or a combination of these. You can also add a tablespoon of butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, or rendered animal fat for extra flavour and smoothness.

Step 3: Secure the Lid and Cook

Secure the lid, ensuring that the vent is sealed. Set the Instant Pot to Manual and adjust the time to between 18 and 35 minutes, depending on the brand of rice and your desired texture. Set the pressure to high.

Step 4: Allow the Pressure to Release Naturally

When the Instant Pot beeps, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, if there is any pressure left, release it manually by turning the pressure regulator knob to the venting position.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork or spoon. Taste the rice and add salt or other seasonings if desired.

Tips

• If you are using salted chicken broth or salted butter, omit the salt and season at the end.
• The wild rice blend shouldn't be overly seasoned, as it will be served with other flavorful dishes.
• The more liquid you use, the softer the rice will be.
• If you are cooking more than 1 cup of rice, you may need to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
• If you are cooking at a high altitude, you may need to experiment with a longer cooking time and/or less liquid.
• If your rice is crunchy or undercooked, it needs more cooking time, not more liquid.
• If your rice is too mushy, you have used too much liquid.
• If you are doubling the recipe, the timing should remain the same.

Frequently asked questions