Nutted Wild Rice

[birdyone]

This recipe was served at a shower that I attended on the weekend - everyone wanted the recipe - it is absolutely fabulous!


Nutted Wild Rice

1 cup (1/2 lb.) raw wild rice
5 1/2 cups chicken stock or water
1 cup shelled pecan halves
1 cup yellow raisins
grated rind of 1 large orange
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
1 1/2 tsp. salt
freshly ground pepper to taste

1. Put rice in a strainer and run under cold water.

2. Place rice in a medium-size heavy saucepan. Add stock or water and bring to a rapid boil. Adjust heat to a gentle simmer and cook UNCOVERED for 45 minutes. After 30 minutes check for doneness, rice should not be too soft. Place a thin towel inside a colander and turn rice into the colander and drain. Transfer drained rice to a bowl.

3. Add remaining ingredients to rice and toss gently. Adjust seasonings to taste. Let mixture stand for 2 hours to allow falvours to develop. Serve at room temperature.

Notes: While shopping for the ingredients, I noticed that there are cans of cooked wild rice, didn't use this time, but will definitely use next time to save time.

I also just used paper towels to soak up the excess liquid.

[meslgh]

Mmm, that does look good. Snip, now it's in my to try files.

[kara_posey]

This does look good! My question - with all the orange, does the dish taste orange-y or is it a subtle citrus flavor?

[birdyone]

Actually the orange 'flavor' is extremely subtle - the nuttie-ness (word?) and orange blend extremely well - a great side dish. I could eat this stuff 3 meals a day! Another thing, it improves with age, I made this on Monday and it's even better today.

[bbenedict]

This looks YUM-OH! Did you use chicken stock or water? Also, is this more like a salad to you?

TIA
Bonnie

[birdyone]

Hi Bonnie - yes I did use chicken stock, actually teaspoons of granules. Yes it is a salad, one that you might see in an upscale deli - it looks impressive and definitely has the taste. I would encourage anyone to try it!

Lanie

[bbenedict]

You are "Johnny On the Spot" with your reply. THANKS!. I can't wait to try it. I may have to make it for myself since my DH doesn't care for raisins. He calls them teeny-tiny prunes! :)


Thanks again for sharing. I get my best recipes off this bb.

Bonnie

[Lena-nouncer]

Hi All!

I have been a lurker for so long and finally decided to join. Thanks for all of the wonderful recipes, and I mean so many of them. I just wanted to comment on this wild rice recipe. Made it a few days ago and it is so good. I actually did find that the recipe got better as the days went on, as in about 2/3 days.

also the lentil soup that Bobmark posted is delicious. I could just go on and on.

Hope I can add some recipes to this board.

Thanks folks!

[NancyR]

I am resurrecting this thread to say that I finally got around to trying this recipe and it is absolutely FABULOUS !!! If anyone is thinking of trying this, please don't leave anything out (although I did use about 1/2 the amount of oil called for). Each ingredient works with the other to create a real "harmony" of flavors. The yellow raisins need to be yellow, the mint is important, and the orange is subtle but wonderful. I don't think the extra oil is necessary at all, IMHO. (Do I sound like I am getting excited about this recipe)? Anyway, thanks birdyone for posting it :)

[SweetTooth]

Where did you find the fresh mint? Is it in the produce dept at the grocery or do I need to go to a specialty store to find it?

Also, how much did this recipe make? It is just my DH and I so should I cut it in half?

thanks!

[birdyone]

I'm really glad you liked it Nancy - I love the stuff! SweetTooth - the fresh mint is in the produce dept along with basil, rosemary, etc. The last time I made it - I used dried mint and was good too - just an all round good recipe. It really doesn't make that much and it lasts for at least a week - I'd make the whole recipe.
Elaine

[NancyR]

Sweet Tooth, how funny you should ask where I got the mint as I am in NW Indiana also! I got mine in the produce section of Meijer but I'm pretty sure Jewel would carry it too. It made a pretty good sized bowl but I'm glad it did as we enjoyed it for several meals (we nuked ever so lightly when we had it for lunches later on).