Basic Wild Rice

Ingredients

• 3 cups water
• 1/4 to 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 cup thoroughly washed wild rice

Bring water to rolling boil. Add salt and wild rice. Bring to a boil again, reduce heat, cover and simmer over low heat for 50 to 60 minutes. The kernels will open up and become tender. If any excess water remains, drain it and return to heat for just a moment to dry the grains; season as desired. If you like a chewy texture, cook it a little less time.
You can also bake wild rice. Here’s how: Add 1 cup washed rice to 2 cups water or broth in a casserole dish. Bake at 350°F for one hour. Check and add more liquid if needed. Continue baking another 1/2 hour.
Remember to check the package of your wild rice for instructions on cooking; some manufacturers have removed the hard bran layer, so the cooking time could be reduced. Here are some of my favorite ways to use wild rice. Remember to wash it well first:

• Serve topped with stir-fried veggies
• Stir half cup cooked wild rice in your favourite muffin recipe. Great with nuts and raisins!
• Mix with dried cherries, blue or feta cheese and sprinkle over salad greens.
• Try it on its own as a salad with added fruit, chopped veggies, and a light vinaigrette dressing. Here’s a Wild Rice Salad with Oranges and Currants and another Wild Rice Salad with Pecans and Cranberries.