Wild rice is a part of Minnesota cuisine and culture as we produce most of the world’s wild rice supply. Because of this, we made wild rice our official state grain in 1977. With such an interesting local ingredient, you may be wondering how to utilize it in your own cooking. Here are 10 wild rice recipes to get you started.
Photo Credit: a couple cooks
Wild Rice
Nothing fancy here. This recipe will make a tasty side dish for fish or chicken. Or once you’ve tried some of the other recipes, use it as a base for your own casseroles, soups, and salads.
Wild Rice and Sausage Stuffed Squash
To us, wild rice screams fall. Play up those autumn flavors with this delish sausage and squash dish from Food Network’s Sunny Anderson.
Hunter’s Stew with Braised Beef and Wild Rice
Wild rice is often gathered by hunters traversing the wilds of central and northern Minnesota. Whether you’ve recently brought some fresh ingredients home to your kitchen after a weekend up north or just done a grocery run, check out this stew made with wild rice and venison or braised beef.
Wild Rice and Leftover Turkey Casserole
Wondering what to do with all those Thanksgiving leftovers? Transform yesterday’s holiday feast into tonight’s hardy dinner with this simple casserole recipe.
Braised Chicken Thighs with Apples and Wild Rice
Straight from the kitchen of one of Minneapolis’s finest, this dish by Erick Harcey lays out how to put together a full meal with chicken, salad, and wild rice. With an amazing apple sauce that will leave you scraping the plate when you’re done, it is perfect for impressing company or even just your partner.
Tennessee Jambalaya
We’re headed out of state with this one! Find out what Tennessee is cooking with the wild rice we’re sending them by making a pot of this spicy, sizzling jambalaya.
Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Another Minneapolis local, Gavin Kaysen, serves up an elevated wild rice casserole. The fresh swiss chard and decadent mushroom gravy helps wild rice achieve its highest flavor potential.
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
Sometimes after a long day, you just need something easy you can toss together without a lot of effort. Look like you’re on you’re A-game with this delicious chicken and rice soup.
Chestnut and Wild Rice Pilaf
The crunch chestnuts and pistachios gives this pilaf a wonderful balance of textures. Use it as a side or a stuffing for chicken or turkey.
Tortilla Soup with Wild Rice
Head south of the border with this tasty tortilla soup. The wild rice brings an earthiness to the bright and bold Mexican flavors.
