Baked Wild Rice is a simple and hands-off method to achieve perfectly cooked wild rice with a chewy outer husk and a nutty, savory flavor. Wild rice can be time-consuming to cook on the stovetop, but this recipe takes advantage of the oven, making it an easy and convenient affair. By spreading the wild rice in a baking dish and pouring boiling water over it, the grains cook evenly and become tender. This method eliminates the need for constant stirring and monitoring, allowing you to focus on other elements of your meal preparation. The result is a delightful side dish with the unique texture and taste of wild rice, perfect for accompanying a variety of main courses.
SERVES 4 TO 6
INGREDIENTS:
- 1½ cups wild rice, rinsed
- 3 cups water
- 2 teaspoons unsalted butter or extra-virgin olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat Oven: Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread the rinsed wild rice evenly into an 8-inch square glass baking dish.
- Boil Water and Combine Ingredients: In a covered medium saucepan, bring the water, unsalted butter or extra-virgin olive oil, and salt to a boil over high heat. Once the mixture is boiling, stir to combine the ingredients, then immediately pour the boiling liquid over the wild rice in the baking dish.
- Cover and Bake: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to create a sealed environment for the rice to cook in. Bake the wild rice in the preheated oven until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice becomes tender. This usually takes about 70 to 80 minutes.
- Fluff and Rest: Remove the baking dish from the oven and uncover it. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Re-cover the dish with foil and let the rice sit for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the wild rice to achieve the desired texture.
TIPS:
- Use Standard Wild Rice: It is essential to use standard wild rice for this recipe and avoid quick-cooking or presteamed wild rice. The latter may not yield the desired texture and may have varying cooking times.
- Prevent Water Loss: When bringing the water to a boil in step 2, be sure to cover the saucepan. Any water loss due to evaporation can affect how the wild rice cooks in the oven.
- Doubling the Recipe: If you need to serve a larger crowd, the recipe can be easily doubled using a 13 by 9-inch baking dish. Ensure that the baking time and water amounts are adjusted accordingly.
- Enhancements: Feel free to add additional flavors to the wild rice, such as sautéed onions, garlic, or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, to suit your taste preferences.
With this foolproof baking method, you’ll be able to consistently achieve tender and delicious wild rice with minimal effort. The nutty and chewy nature of wild rice pairs wonderfully with a wide range of main courses, making it a versatile and delightful addition to any meal. Enjoy the unique flavors and texture of Baked Wild Rice as a nutritious and flavorful side dish!
