Cooking Wild Rice Blend: A Simple, Quick, And Delicious Guide

Wild rice is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and salads to casseroles and stuffing. It has a nutty, earthy flavour and is a great gluten-free option. While it is called wild rice, it is actually the seed of a wild aquatic grass indigenous to North America. To cook wild rice, you will need a liquid such as water, chicken or vegetable broth, and optional flavourings like spices, butter or oil, and fresh herbs. The ratio of liquid to wild rice is typically 3:1 for the stovetop method, but this can vary depending on the cooking method and the desired consistency of the rice. For example, the rice cooker method calls for a 2:1 ratio, while the microwave method uses a 3:1 ratio. It's important to note that wild rice can take a long time to cook, and the cooking time may vary depending on the brand and type of wild rice used.

Stovetop cooking instructions

To cook wild rice on a stovetop, you will need:

• Wild Rice – Rinsed and drained
• Liquid – You can use water, chicken or vegetable broth
• Optional flavourings: Spices, butter (or oil), and fresh herbs

Firstly, you can soak the wild rice before cooking, but this is not essential. Soaking grains overnight cuts down the cooking time and can help with digestion and mineral absorption. If you do soak the rice, place it in a bowl and cover it with water, leaving it on the kitchen counter for no more than 2-3 hours.

Now, for the stovetop method, the ratio of liquid to wild rice is 3:1. For every 1 cup of uncooked wild rice, you will need 3 cups of liquid. This will yield around 3 1/2 cups of cooked wild rice.

Place the wild rice, liquid (water or stock) and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Give it a stir, then put the lid on and bring it to a boil. After it boils, turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for 40-45 minutes. If you used soaked wild rice, it should be ready in about 20-30 minutes.

Once the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, drain any excess liquid and serve.

Cooking Instructions for Wild Rice Blend on the Stove:

If you are cooking a wild rice blend, the process is similar. Combine 1 cup of wild rice blend, 1 3/4 cups of liquid (water or broth) and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Put the lid on and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until all the liquid has evaporated.

Let the rice blend rest on the stovetop for 10 minutes, then fluff it with a fork and serve.

Rice cooker instructions

Cooking wild rice in a rice cooker is a hands-off, foolproof approach that delivers perfectly cooked rice every time. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving fluffy and delicious wild rice:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Start by greasing the rice cooker insert with a tablespoon of butter or vegetable oil. This step is optional but helps prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the cooker.

Step 2: Rinse and Soak the Rice (Optional)

While not mandatory, rinsing and soaking the wild rice before cooking can improve the texture and reduce cooking time. Rinse the rice under cool, clean water to remove any dust or debris. Then, place the rinsed rice in a bowl, cover it with water, and let it soak for up to 3 hours. Soaking softens the outer layers of the grains, resulting in more evenly cooked rice.

Step 3: Combine Rice and Liquid

For every cup of wild rice, add 2 cups of liquid (water or broth) and a ½ teaspoon of salt to the rice cooker. Give it a stir to combine. You can also add flavour enhancers like a bay leaf, sea salt, or olive oil for an extra burst of flavour.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Close the lid of the rice cooker and select the "brown rice" or “white rice” setting if available. If your rice cooker has a basic setting, simply push the button down and let it cook. The cooker will automatically indicate when the rice is done, usually within 45-55 minutes.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the rice rest for about 10 minutes. Then, gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and allow any excess moisture to escape. Your wild rice is now ready to be served and enjoyed!

Tips and Tricks:

• If your wild rice blend includes other types of rice, like brown or red rice, maintain the same liquid-to-rice ratio of 2 cups of water to 1 cup of rice.
• Wild rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week or frozen for up to 6 months.
• To enhance the flavour of your wild rice, consider using broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable) instead of water.

Microwave cooking instructions

Microwaving wild rice is not the most ideal method for preparing this grain. It takes a long time and it may not cook uniformly, which can lead to the grains being either undercooked or overdone. However, if you don't have access to a cooktop, oven, or rice cooker, you can still cook wild rice in the microwave by following these steps:

• Rinse the wild rice thoroughly under running cold water.
• Place the wild rice in a microwave-safe bowl and add the required quantity of water. The basic rule of thumb is to use 2 1/2 cups of water for every 1 cup of wild rice. However, you may adjust this ratio based on your preference for the amount of chewiness.
• Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or wrap it in plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, be sure to cut a vent in it to allow steam to escape.
• Microwave the wild rice on high power for about 6 minutes.
• Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and give it a stir. The contents will be very hot, so be careful.
• Microwave the rice on medium power (50%) for 25-30 minutes.
• Remove the bowl from the microwave and let it sit on the counter for about 10 minutes.
• Most of the water should be absorbed, and the wild rice should be fully cooked and tender. If not, continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals on high power until it is done to your liking.
• Fluff the wild rice with a fork and season to taste. You can eat it plain or use it as a base for salads, stir-fries, casseroles, and more.

Cooking in a pressure cooker

The pressure cooker is a great option for cooking wild rice blend as it significantly reduces the cooking time—from about 60 minutes with the stovetop method to approximately 30 minutes. It's also hands-free, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your rice cooks. Here's a step-by-step guide to cooking wild rice blend in a pressure cooker:

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Place the wild rice blend in a colander and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, then drain the rice.

Step 2: Prepare the Pressure Cooker

Transfer the rinsed and drained wild rice blend into the pressure cooker. Add the desired amount of liquid—water, broth, or stock. The liquid amount may vary depending on the specific wild rice blend you're using and your preferred consistency. Generally, a ratio of 1 cup of wild rice blend to 1.5 cups of liquid works well. You can also add a tablespoon of butter or oil for extra flavour and smoothness. If desired, season with salt, keeping in mind that the wild rice blend will be served with other flavorful dishes.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Rice

Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and ensure the pressure regulator is set to the sealing position. Set the cooker to high pressure and cook for 20-28 minutes, depending on the blend. For example, Lundberg Wild Rice Blend cooks perfectly in 28 minutes.

Step 4: Natural Release and Fluff

After the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure and open the lid. Gently fluff the wild rice blend with a fork or a wooden spoon.

Your wild rice blend is now ready to be served as a side dish or used in salads, soups, casseroles, or other recipes. Enjoy!

Seasoning and flavouring suggestions

There are many ways to season and flavour your wild rice blend. Here are some suggestions:

• Use broth instead of water: While you can cook wild rice in water, using vegetable or chicken stock will add more flavour.
• Cook with vegetables: Sautéing vegetables with your rice is a great way to add flavour.
• Mix with nuts and herbs: Fresh herbs and nuts complement the earthy flavour of wild rice.
• Use dried herbs and spices: You can add dried herbs and spices to your rice, such as parsley, thyme, tarragon, white pepper, and salt.
• Add butter and cheese: Stir in some butter and grated Parmesan cheese after your rice has finished cooking.
• Use different types of rice: You can mix wild rice with other types of rice, such as long-grain brown rice, white rice, red rice, or black rice.
• Add garlic powder: A little garlic powder can enhance the flavour of your rice blend.
• Toasted almonds: Toasted chopped almonds can add a nice crunch and flavour to your rice.
• Onions: Onions can be a yummy addition to your wild rice blend.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and find the combinations that you like best!

Frequently asked questions