Cheesy Basil Pesto Wild Rice Delight
Indulge in this sumptuous Cheesy Basil Pesto Wild Rice Delight, a perfect accompaniment for summer meals. This dish combines tender wild rice with a vibrant homemade pesto, enriched with the nutty flavor of pine nuts and a generous helping of freshly grated parmesan cheese. Pair it with juicy, sun-ripened tomatoes and crusty boules of baguette for a seasonal feast. It’s a delightful medley that's sure to impress your family and friends at picnics, barbecues, and potlucks.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
wild rice
1 1/2 cups (rinsed and drained)
water
3 cups (none)
fresh basil
1/2 cup (packed, leaves only)
pine nuts
3/4 cup (toasted)
garlic cloves
2 (peeled)
olive oil
6 tablespoons (extra virgin recommended)
freshly grated parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
fresh tomatoes
3 (chopped or sliced)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, bring the wild rice and water to a boil over high heat.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 45 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 10 minutes.
3
While the rice is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, peeled garlic cloves, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4
Once the rice has finished cooking, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
5
Fold in the pesto sauce gently until well combined. Add freshly grated parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Serve the cheesy pesto rice warm, garnished with chopped or sliced fresh tomatoes. Add a side of crusty baguette for an extra treat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Basil Pesto Wild Rice Delight?
It is a summer-inspired dish that combines tender wild rice with a homemade basil and pine nut pesto, enriched with parmesan cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is completely vegetarian as it uses plant-based ingredients and cheese.
How long does it take to cook the wild rice?
The wild rice needs to simmer for 45 minutes and then sit covered for an additional 10 minutes.
What is the water to rice ratio for this recipe?
The ratio used is 3 cups of water for 1 1/2 cups of wild rice.
What are the main ingredients in the pesto?
The pesto consists of fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, and extra virgin olive oil.
Do I need to rinse the wild rice?
Yes, the recipe recommends rinsing and draining the wild rice before cooking.
What should I serve as a side with this dish?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a crusty baguette boule.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor for the pesto?
Yes, a blender can be used to combine the basil, nuts, garlic, and oil until smooth.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
How do I prepare the pine nuts?
The pine nuts should be toasted to bring out their nutty flavor before being added to the pesto.
Can I serve this dish cold?
While the instructions suggest serving it warm, it also works well as a cold rice salad for picnics.
What type of tomatoes should I use for the garnish?
Fresh sun-ripened tomatoes, either chopped or sliced, are ideal for garnishing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Wild rice is naturally gluten-free; however, ensure your parmesan and other additives are certified gluten-free if necessary.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 peeled garlic cloves for the pesto sauce.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
You can substitute with store-bought pesto if you are short on time, though homemade is recommended for the freshest flavor.
Why must the rice sit for 10 minutes after cooking?
Allowing the rice to sit covered helps it finish steaming and ensures a more tender texture.
How much olive oil is required for the pesto?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of olive oil, preferably extra virgin.
Can I add other proteins to this dish?
Yes, grilled chicken or chickpeas would be excellent additions to make this a heartier meal.
What is the best way to fluff the rice?
Use a fork to gently lift and separate the grains without mashing them.
How much fresh basil is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of packed fresh basil leaves.
Can I make this dish vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Yes, wild rice holds up well in the refrigerator and can be eaten over several days.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What tags describe this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as pesto, rice, vegetarian, summer dish, easy recipes, healthy sides, cheesy, and wild rice.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is essential for the texture and flavor of the pesto; dried basil is not a recommended substitute here.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
The recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to taste after folding in the pesto and cheese.
Can I use a different type of nut in the pesto?
If pine nuts are unavailable, you can substitute with toasted walnuts or almonds.
Is this dish suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is a delightful medley that is sure to impress at picnics, barbecues, and potlucks.
How do I incorporate the pesto into the rice?
Gently fold the pesto sauce into the cooked, fluffed rice until it is well combined.