BASICS: Wild Rice Melody Recipe

Did You Know?  “Nothing really prepares you for the stench of one of the strangest dishes on earth – Stinky Tofu. Like durian, smelly tofu is one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic foods. The odor of fermenting tofu is so overpowering many aren’t able to shake off the memory for months. So is the legendarily divine taste really worth the effort? Sure it is.” (via)

Back to Basics with one of my favorite things – WILD RICE!  If you haven’t introduced wild rice into your diet, it’s time.  Wild Rice has a slightly nuttier flavor than traditional white or brown rice.  I realize white & brown rice gets all the attention in the rice category but take a gander to the wild side of the grocery store next time you’re there.  If you want the real deal, look for wild rice from Minnesota or Canada.

I noticed one quick way to prevent yourself from trying new things is over complicating them in your mind.  This holds true to me as well.  For example, pumpkin.  I really want to make something w pumpkin but when I think of the only recipes I’ve seen it’s just too overwhelming, so I have yet to do so. You know what I mean?  That’s kind of why these basic recipes are golden, they’re too easy to pass on!

Don’t get overwhelmed with wild rice.  Stick to the most basic way to eat it.  This recipe is the most simple ever.  You can easily make it any night of the week with almost no thought at all.  Brain dead?  No problem.

Basics: Wild Rice Melody Recipe

Ingredients:

2 Cups Uncooked wild rice

1 Small White Onion

3 Carrots

5 Celery Stalks

4 Tablespoons Olive Oil (favorite: here)

Salt & Pepper

Directions:

Rinse the wild rise.  Cook according to the package directions.  For some of you, maybe that’s using a rice cooker or Instant Pot.  Maybe it’s the stove and boiling water.  It doesn’t matter.   Work with what you have, follow the directions exactly off the package and it’ll work.  While the wild rice is cooking, peel the onion & start chopping it.  (Absolutely no rush here, wild rice takes awhile to cook.)  You can dice the onion or slice it thin – don’t over think your chopping strategy.  Set it aside.  Rinse & scrub you carrots + celery.  I use this scrub brush (here).  Finely chop both celery & carrots.  Once you have your wild rice cooking, onion chopped, celery + carrots diced – take out a saute pan.  Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the pan and heat over medium heat until oil is hot.  Throw in all your veggies – onion, carrot, and celery.  Top with a little salt & pepper.  Mix & saute for 10ish minutes, until they soften.  When softened turn off heat until wild rice is ready.  When wild rice is ready, mix everything together & enjoy!

TIPS:

+ Feel free to add:: Garlic, chia seeds as a topping when you finish, cilantro, almond slivers, spices, crispy chickpeas, pumpkin seeds – get creative!

+ Make sure the celery & carrots are chopped small so they don’t hurt your teeth when you’re trying to eat them with the rice

+ Wild Rice takes time! Make sure you leave enough time to let the wild rice cook, near 45 minutes! Definitely plan ahead so you’re not hangry while you cook.

+ This recipe should make enough to save and eat for lunch the next day too!

+ Grill chicken, serve with this wild rice, and you’re a professional chef.

Who’s tried wild rice before??  Maybe because I grew up with it around I didn’t realize some people have missed out their entire lives!  We have wild rice & walleye burgers at home, Minnesota isn’t messing around.  If you’re following me on Instagram you know we’re currently visiting Minnesota so I thought this was a perfect time to share this recipe!  Also, being able to come in the fall has been a goal that I’ve missed out on for far too many years & I’m really happy to be home.

What’s your favorite dish you grew up eating?  So curious.

Have a great weekend! If you’re celebrating Halloween, be safe & as always be thoughtful.

Xx

++ Try these too! Basic Turkey Burger Recipe (here) // Basic Sweet Potato Fries (here)