Cooking Wild Rice Blend: Dehydrated Veggies, Easy Steps

Cooking wild rice blend with dehydrated vegetables is a simple and nutritious meal that can be made in a variety of ways. Wild rice, despite its name, is not actually rice but a type of aquatic grass indigenous to North America. It has a nutty flavor and chewy texture, making it a delicious addition to salads, soups, and casseroles. When combined with dehydrated vegetables, it creates a flavorful and healthy dish.

To cook wild rice blend with dehydrated vegetables, start by rinsing the rice thoroughly under cold running water to remove any impurities. Then, soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes to enhance its texture and flavor. After draining the water, rinse the rice again and place it in a rice cooker or a pot on the stovetop. For every cup of wild rice blend, add two cups of water or broth for the perfect ratio. You can also add spices and herbs like thyme, rosemary, or garlic to enhance the flavor. Close the lid and turn on the rice cooker, or bring the pot to a gentle boil on the stovetop.

Let the rice cook until it is tender, which usually takes around 35-55 minutes. For a rice cooker, wait until the cooker switches off automatically. If cooking on the stovetop, reduce the heat and let the rice simmer until it is tender. Finally, let the rice steam for about 10 minutes by covering it with a clean dishtowel. Fluff the rice with a fork, and your wild rice blend with dehydrated vegetables is ready to be served!

How to cook wild rice blend with dehydrated vegetables in a rice cooker

Cooking wild rice blend with dehydrated vegetables in a rice cooker is a convenient and efficient way to prepare a nutritious and tasty meal. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfect results:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Start by spraying the bottom of your rice cooker bowl with a little cooking spray. This step is optional but recommended as it helps prevent the rice from sticking to the bowl.

Step 2: Rinse and Soak the Wild Rice Blend

Thoroughly rinse the wild rice blend under cold running water to remove any impurities and excess starch. Place the rice in a bowl and cover it with water, allowing it to soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Soaking is optional but helps reduce cooking time and improves the texture of the rice.

Step 3: Prepare the Dehydrated Vegetables

If you are using dehydrated vegetables, follow the rehydration instructions provided with the product. Typically, dehydrated vegetables need to be soaked in water for a certain amount of time before use.

Step 4: Determine the Water-to-Rice Ratio

As a general guideline, use a ratio of 1:2 for water to wild rice blend, which is 1 cup of wild rice blend to 2 cups of water. However, this ratio may vary depending on your personal preference for softer or firmer rice.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients and Cook

In the rice cooker bowl, add the soaked and drained wild rice blend, rehydrated vegetables, and the appropriate amount of water. If desired, you can enhance the flavour by adding seasonings such as a bay leaf, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a splash of olive oil. Close the lid and select the "brown rice" or "mixed rice" setting. Press start and let the rice cooker work its magic!

Step 6: Fluff and Serve

Once the rice cooker indicates that the rice is ready, remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and enhance the texture. Your wild rice blend with dehydrated vegetables is now ready to be served and enjoyed!

Tips and Variations:

• Cooking time may vary depending on the model of your rice cooker, but it typically takes around 45-60 minutes for the brown and wild rice blend to cook thoroughly.
• If your rice cooker has multiple settings, choose the \"brown rice\" setting for the best results.
• You can experiment with different types of dehydrated vegetables to add variety to your dish.
• For a richer flavour, you can replace the water with vegetable or chicken broth.

How to cook wild rice blend with dehydrated vegetables on the stove

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 1 3/4 cups liquid (water or broth)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Dehydrated vegetables of your choice (e.g. dried onion, garlic, bell peppers, carrots, celery)
• Optional: butter or oil, spices, fresh herbs

Step-by-step guide:

• Combine the wild rice blend, liquid (water or broth), salt, and dehydrated vegetables in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Put the lid on.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Let the rice blend simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until all the liquid has evaporated. The rice should be tender, and some grains may have burst open.
• Remove the pan from the heat and let the rice blend rest, still covered, on the stovetop for about 10 minutes.
• Fluff the rice blend with a fork and serve.

Tips:

• Soaking the wild rice blend for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking can help enhance its texture and flavor. Drain and rinse the rice before adding it to the saucepan.
• For a softer texture, you can increase the amount of liquid slightly.
• Adding a pinch of salt, butter, or oil can enhance the flavor of the wild rice blend.
• You can also use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for a richer taste.
• For extra flavor, add herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, parsley, or garlic.
• If you want to add fresh vegetables, try sautéed mushrooms or onions.
• Wild rice blend can be served as a side dish, in salads, soups, casseroles, or stuffed into vegetables.
• Leftover cooked wild rice blend can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a bit of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

How to cook wild rice blend with dehydrated vegetables in an Instant Pot

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 1 1/2 cups water or broth
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt (optional)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil (optional)
• Dehydrated vegetables of your choice

Method:

• Rinse the wild rice blend under cold water and drain.
• Add the wild rice blend, water or broth, salt, and butter or olive oil (if using) to the Instant Pot. Give it a stir to prevent sticking.
• Secure the lid, ensuring the venting knob is in the sealing position.
• Pressure cook on high for 18-30 minutes. The longer you cook it, the softer the rice will be.
• Once the cooking cycle has ended, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10-15 minutes.
• Turn the venting knob to vent and release any remaining pressure.
• Carefully open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork or spoon.
• Add your choice of dehydrated vegetables and stir through.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• The wild rice blend to water ratio can vary depending on the brand of rice and your personal preference. Adjust the amount of liquid accordingly.
• If you prefer softer, fluffier rice, you can add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup of liquid.
• If you are using salted chicken stock or salted butter, omit the salt and taste and season at the end.
• You can substitute water or broth with vegetable broth for more flavor.
• If your rice is too hard, it may need more cooking time rather than more water.
• If your rice is too mushy, you have likely used too much water.

How to dehydrate vegetables

Dehydrating vegetables is a great way to make your meals more nutritious and colourful. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to do it.

Tips for Dehydrating Vegetables

Dehydrating Raw Vegetables

Bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, and onions can be dehydrated without precooking. Simply wash them, cut them into uniform sizes, and spread them in a single layer on dehydrator trays.

Dehydrating Steamed Vegetables

Vegetables that are usually cooked before eating, such as peas, broccoli, okra, and green beans, will rehydrate better if you steam them for five to six minutes before drying. Steaming corn for eight minutes before drying makes it more digestible.

Dehydrating Frozen Vegetables

Frozen vegetables are convenient as they require little to no trimming. While you can dry them without precooking, steaming them for six to eight minutes will help retain their colour and improve rehydration.

Dehydrating Canned Vegetables

Draining and rinsing canned beans before placing them directly on dehydrator trays works well. They rehydrate nicely in meals and usually split open while drying, aiding rehydration.

Storing Dehydrated Vegetables

If you plan to consume dehydrated vegetables within a month, storing them in Ziploc bags at room temperature is sufficient. However, for longer storage, glass jars with tight-fitting lids are ideal. Use oxygen absorbers or a vacuum sealer to remove as much air as possible. Store the dehydrated vegetables in a cool, dry, and dark location.

Using Dried Vegetables in Meals

Dehydrated vegetables can be used in various dishes, such as soups, stews, casseroles, and rice blends. Simply rehydrate them by soaking in water for up to two hours, using a ratio of two parts water to one part dehydrated vegetables.

How to choose the right rice cooker for your wild rice blend

When choosing a rice cooker, it's important to consider your personal cooking habits and preferences, as well as the size of your household. Here are some factors to help you select the right rice cooker for your wild rice blend:

Size and Capacity

Rice cookers come in various sizes, typically ranging from 3-cup, 5-cup, to 10-cup capacities. The right size for you depends on the number of people you usually cook for. For a small family of 1-3 people, a 3-cup capacity cooker is ideal. If you have a larger household of 4-6 people, opt for a 5-cup rice cooker. Keep in mind that using a rice cooker bigger than what you need can lead to uneven heat distribution and affect the cooking quality.

Type and Features

There are different types of rice cookers available, each with unique features:

• Conventional Rice Cookers: These are the most basic and affordable type, offering simple "cook" and "keep warm" functions.
• Enhanced Rice Cookers: They allow you to cook various grains and often include a timer for pre-setting cooking times.
• Low Carb Rice Cookers: These are designed to reduce the sugar content of white rice.
• Induction Rice Cookers: They are one of the most advanced types, enabling you to cook a wide range of dishes, including soups and pancakes.
• Multifunctional Rice Cookers: They offer multiple menu functions, such as steaming and baking, and are ideal for those who value special functions like a timer.

Inner Pot Material

The inner pot of your rice cooker affects the fluffiness, taste, and cooking speed of your rice. Common materials include:

• Non-stick Coated: Easy to clean and maintain, but may need replacement if scratched or damaged.
• Non-stick (without coating): Heavy and breakable but scratch-resistant and dishwasher-safe.
• Stainless Steel: Durable and long-lasting but can be challenging to clean due to rice sticking to the pot.
• Ceramic: Natural non-stick properties, easy to clean, and safe.

Brand and Reputation

Opt for well-known and reliable brands, such as Panasonic, Tiger, and Zojirushi, which are known for their design, quality, and durability. Reading online reviews and comparing different brands can help you make an informed decision.

Accessories and Design

Rice cookers often come with accessories like a spatula and a measuring cup. Consider a compact, aesthetically pleasing design that saves space in your kitchen. Some models feature touch-sensors, enhancing their ease of operation and adding to their visual appeal.

Additionally, look for rice cookers with detachable inner pots and lids, making cleaning more accessible. Non-stick inner pots further simplify the cleaning process, and some models even have non-stick coatings to prevent rice from sticking.

In summary, when choosing a rice cooker for your wild rice blend, consider factors such as size, type, inner pot material, brand reputation, and accessories. By selecting a cooker that aligns with your specific needs and preferences, you can ensure perfect wild rice every time.

Frequently asked questions