Savory Wild Rice and Mushroom Bake
This Savory Wild Rice and Mushroom Bake is a delightful fusion of earthy flavors that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Canada. With its hearty combination of wild rice, fresh mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, this casserole is not only a comforting dish perfect for family gatherings but also a versatile side option for any occasion. Inspired by the recipes found in the 'Best of International Cooking' cookbook, this dish showcases simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into a deliciously satisfying meal. It's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
wild rice
3/4 cup (uncooked)
dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon ( dried leaf)
dried basil
1/4 teaspoon (dried leaf)
salt
to taste
chicken stock or broth
1 1/2 cups
mushroom
1 lb (washed and sliced)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
onion
1 (finely chopped)
black pepper
to taste
parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Rinse the wild rice under cold water to remove any impurities.
2
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed wild rice, dried thyme, dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and chicken stock or broth. Cover the pan, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for about 40 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
3
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rice is cooking.
4
Prepare the mushrooms by washing them thoroughly. For large mushrooms, slice them into thick pieces, and cut small mushrooms in half.
5
In a large stovetop casserole dish, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
6
Add the prepared mushrooms to the onion and continue to sauté until the mushrooms are tender and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Season the mixture with the remaining salt and black pepper.
7
Stir in the cooked wild rice mixture along with any remaining stock or broth that hasn't been absorbed. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
8
Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
9
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a burst of freshness and color.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Wild Rice and Mushroom Bake?
It is a delightful fusion of earthy flavors celebrating Canadian culinary heritage, combining wild rice, fresh mushrooms, and aromatic herbs.
How long does it take to cook the wild rice?
The wild rice should be simmered for about 40 minutes or until it is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350 F (175 C).
Should I rinse the wild rice before cooking?
Yes, you should rinse the wild rice under cold water to remove any impurities before starting the cooking process.
What herbs are used in the Savory Wild Rice and Mushroom Bake?
The recipe uses dried thyme and dried basil to season the rice mixture.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can use chicken stock, broth, or substitute with vegetable broth if you prefer.
How should I prepare the mushrooms?
Wash them thoroughly; slice large mushrooms into thick pieces and cut small mushrooms in half.
How long should I saute the onions?
Sauté the finely chopped onion in melted butter for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown.
How long do the mushrooms need to be sauteed?
Sauté the mushrooms with the onions for about 5 minutes until they are tender and lightly browned.
How long does the casserole bake in the oven?
The casserole should bake for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the recommended garnish for this dish?
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving for a burst of freshness and color.
Is this dish suitable for a family gathering?
Yes, it is a comforting dish perfect for family gatherings and versatile enough to be a side option for any occasion.
What amount of wild rice is needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of uncooked wild rice.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
You will need 1/4 cup of melted butter.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, though the recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon each of dried thyme and basil, you can adjust with fresh herbs to taste.
What type of dish should I use for baking?
A large stovetop casserole dish is recommended so you can sauté and bake in the same vessel.
Is this recipe considered a main dish or a side?
It is described as both a satisfying meal and a versatile side dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients: wild rice, thyme, basil, salt, stock, mushrooms, butter, onion, black pepper, and parsley.
Do I need to cover the dish while it bakes?
Yes, cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil before placing it in the oven.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
It can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
What inspired this recipe?
The dish is inspired by recipes found in the "Best of International Cooking" cookbook.
How much mushroom is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of mushrooms.
Should the rice be cooked before adding it to the casserole?
Yes, the rice is simmered for 40 minutes on the stovetop before being mixed with the vegetables and baked.
How much liquid is needed to cook the rice?
Use 1 1/2 cups of chicken stock or broth for 3/4 cup of wild rice.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding salt and black pepper to taste during the mushroom sautéing step.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is a hearty, savory bake with tender rice and mushrooms.
How do I know when the rice is done simmering?
The rice is ready when it is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Can I use a different type of rice?
The recipe specifically highlights wild rice for its earthy flavor, but other hearty grains could be substituted with adjusted cooking times.
Does this dish contain any sugar?
Based on the ingredients list, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
What should I do after removing the dish from the oven?
Let the dish cool slightly before garnishing with parsley and serving.