This dish presents soft squash stuffed with a filling of wild rice, vegetables, and fragrant herbs. The combination of textures and flavors creates a satisfying meal ready to serve for any occasion.
Cooking tip: To ensure that the squash cooks evenly, partially bake it before stuffing, then return it to the oven until the filling is heated and the squash is tender.
Pairing dish: For a complete and balanced meal, serve it alongside roasted chicken or grilled salmon.
This salad perfectly blends nutty wild rice, freshly chopped vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The wild rice adds a satisfying texture to the dish, while the crisp vegetables provide a refreshing crunch.
This salad can be enjoyed as a light, healthy lunch option or a side dish alongside your favorite main course.
Cooking tip: To maintain the texture of the rice in the salad, cook it until it’s tender but still slightly firm.
Pairing dish: Pair the salad with grilled shrimp skewers or tofu to make a protein-packed meal.
Nothing quite like a warm bowl of chicken and wild rice soup to soothe your soul on a chilly day. This soup is made with tender chicken, wild rice, and a medley of flavorful vegetables, all simmered together in a rich and savory broth that will soothe your soul.
Cooking tip: For extra flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth and allowing the soup to simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld.
Pairing dish: Serve with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a comforting meal.
This tasty dressing is an absolute must-have on any table. It’s made with a delicious blend of wild rice, caramelized onions, a medley of aromatic herbs, and various spices, creating a burst of flavors. It is the perfect accompaniment to any roasted poultry or pork dish.
Cooking tip: To bring out the nutty flavor and texture of the wild rice, toast it before cooking.
Pairing dish: Enjoy alongside roasted pork tenderloin or grilled salmon for a satisfying dinner.
This dish features a bed of fluffy wild rice expertly infused with fresh herbs and aromatic spices, creating a harmonious and complex flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
The dish is simple yet elegant, making it the perfect side dish to complement various main courses.
Cooking tip: Brighten the dish’s flavors by adding a splash of lemon juice before serving.
Pairing dish: Serve alongside grilled steak or roasted vegetables for a flavorful meal.
This exquisite wild rice dish is taken to new heights with the addition of mushrooms and tangy and sweet balsamic vinegar.
The combination of nutty wild rice, mushrooms, and the complex flavors of balsamic vinegar creates a sophisticated yet easy-to-make side dish that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
Cooking tip: To enhance their flavor, sauté the mushrooms until golden brown and caramelized.
Pairing dish: For a non-vegetarian option, pair with roasted chicken thighs, and for a vegetarian option, grilled portobello mushrooms would be a perfect match.
This recipe is a variation of the classic stuffing that will impress. It’s loaded with fragrant vegetables, aromatic herbs, and flavorful spices.
Whether planning a festive feast or a simple family dinner, this dish would make an excellent side dish. With its rich and savory taste profile, it is sure to become a crowd-pleaser.
Cooking tip: Enhance the texture by adding toasted pecans or dried cranberries before baking.
This delightful side dish is a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The dish features the sweet and tart flavors of cranberries and the crunch of walnuts.
The combination with the wild rice creates a vibrant dressing perfect for special occasions and will make your dishes a hit among your guests.
The dish is tasty and packed with nutrients and health benefits, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
Cooking tip: Mix dried and fresh herbs for maximum flavor.
Pairing dish: Enjoy alongside roast pork loin or grilled vegetables.
This refreshing salad combines the hearty texture of wild rice and lima beans with the tangy sweetness of cranberry relish.
It’s a perfect dish for those who appreciate the blend of savory and sweet, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Cooking tip: To ensure the lima beans are perfectly tender yet firm, blanch them briefly before adding them to the salad. This helps to preserve their bright color and ideal texture.
Pairing dish: A citrus-marinated grilled chicken breast complements this salad beautifully, adding a light, protein-rich component.
Combine the nutty flavors of wild and brown rice in this salad that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Tossed with a variety of fresh, crunchy vegetables and a mouthwatering dressing, it’s a colorful side dish that adds a vibrant touch to any table.
Cooking tip: Rinse the wild and brown rice under cold water before cooking to remove any excess starch, ensuring that each grain remains distinct and fluffy after cooking.
Pairing dish: Serve with seared salmon fillets for an omega-3-rich meal that’s balanced in flavors and textures.
This spicy wild rice stuffing is a bold twist on traditional stuffing, featuring a kick of heat from jalapeños.
Combined with the depth of wild rice, this dish packs a punch of flavor and makes an unforgettable side dish.
Cooking tip: Sauté the jalapeños and onions until they’re just softened to mellow their heat slightly, allowing the flavors to integrate better with the wild rice and other ingredients.
Pairing dish: This stuffing is ideal with roasted or grilled game meats, such as duck or venison, offering a hearty and robust pairing.
Try this wild rice and mushroom soup recipe if you’re looking for a hearty and comforting meal for chilly days. This soup is a perfect blend of creamy and rich texture, which pairs perfectly with the mushrooms’ earthy and savory flavor.
This soup is delicious and incredibly easy to make, and it doesn’t require many ingredients.
Cooking tip: When making this soup, use a mixture of mushrooms to enhance its depth of flavor.
Pairing dish: Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Experience the exquisite blend of flavors and textures in this sophisticated side dish. Fragrant wild rice infused with rosemary’s aromatic essence is perfectly complemented by the sweetness of red grapes.
This dish will impress your guests with its unique and refined taste.
Cooking tip: To infuse the wild rice with flavor, cook it with a sprig of fresh rosemary.
Are you looking for a delicious and versatile side dish to add a dash of excitement to your meals? Try this recipe featuring nutty wild rice, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans! We particularly enjoy this dish for a festive meal.
Cooking tip: Toast the pecans before adding them to the pilaf for extra crunch and flavor.
Pairing dish: You can pair it with pan-seared chicken thighs or grilled eggplant for a tasty dinner.
Final Thoughts
Why not try your hand at these wild rice recipes? They offer a delightful array of flavors and textures that satisfy any palate.
From comforting soups to vibrant salads, each dish showcases this ancient grain’s versatility and nutritional benefits.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty main course or a flavorful side dish, these recipes provide ample inspiration for novice and seasoned cooks alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to cook wild rice like Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart recommends cooking wild rice by rinsing it in cold water and then combining it with water or broth in a pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed. This usually takes about 45 to 55 minutes. Let it stand, covered, for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.
What is the best way to cook wild rice?
To cook wild rice, rinse under cold water, then cook with a 1:3 ratio of rice to water or broth. Boil, then simmer covered for 45–55 minutes until tender. Let rest, then fluff to serve.
Why do you rinse wild rice before cooking?
Rinsing wild rice before cooking serves several purposes: – It helps remove any debris or foreign particles that may be present in the rice. – It helps to reduce bitterness, as wild rice can sometimes taste slightly bitter due to natural compounds. – Rinsing can also help improve the texture of the cooked rice, resulting in a lighter and fluffier final product.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
