Come cucinare il riso selvaggio. Zizania Aquatica

How to cook wild rice – Mastering Zizania Aquatica

Let’s be real—cooking rice isn’t exactly rocket science. BUT, what happens when you’re dealing with a rebel rice that’s not even technically rice? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are 3 (+1) foolproof methods to nail the perfect texture for your wild rice dish.

 

I. COOKING ON THE STOVETOP

No need to stress over water ratios when cooking wild rice on the stovetop—just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a bowl of fluffy goodness in no time.

  1. Rinse It: Start by rinsing your wild rice under water to wash away excess starch and any dirt.
  2. Add Water: Pour the wild rice into a saucepan and add plenty of water (about 1 part rice to 3 parts water). Toss in a pinch of salt.
  3. Cook: Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 25 minutes. Check occasionally—you’ll know it’s done when some grains start to split open.
  4. Rest: Drain any excess water, cover the saucepan with a kitchen towel, put the lid back on, and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps absorb extra moisture and gives your rice a softer texture.
  5. Fluff and Enjoy: Fluff it up with a fork, toss in your favorite extras (herbs, veggies, nuts), and dig in!

 

 II. USING A RICE COOKER

    Got a rice cooker? It’s not just for regular rice—you can cook our Zizania Aquatica in it too!

    1. Rinse It: Always rinse your rice first—get rid of that excess starch and dirt.
    2. Grease It: Add a bit of butter or vegetable oil to the cooker to prevent sticking.
    3. Add Rice and Water: Measure out 80g of wild rice, add twice as much water, sprinkle some salt, and give it a stir.
    4. Cook: If your cooker has a brown rice setting, go with that. It usually takes 25-40 minutes depending on your model. If the rice is still firm at the end, just add a bit more water and cook a bit longer.
    5. Fluff and Serve: Once it’s done, let it rest for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork before serving.

     

       III. POPPING AND FRYING

      Surprise! You can fry or pop wild rice for a crunchy twist to your dish.

      Pop It: Heat a small heavy-bottomed pot with a tight lid over high heat, add some oil and wild rice. Cover and shake the pot like you’re making popcorn. Once the popping stops, transfer the rice to a bowl and sprinkle with sea salt.

      Fry It: If frying’s more your style, heat plenty of oil in a pot. Test the oil with a few grains first—once they puff up, you’re good to go. Fry the wild rice until it puffs, then scoop it out onto a paper towel to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and enjoy!

      + Bonus Tip: These crispy bites are amazing in a breakfast granola bowl—try it out and elevate your mornings!

       

         IV. SOAK IT OR SKIP IT: THE WILD RICE DILEMMA

        Soaking wild rice? Totally optional, but here’s the scoop: a quick soak can slash cooking time and make it easier on your tummy. Soaking can speed things up by as much as 50%! Whether you soak your Zizania for 30 minutes, a few hours, or even overnight, it’s all about finding what works best for you. So go ahead, experiment and discover your perfect prep time!

         

        EXTRA TIPS:

        • Boost Flavor: Swap water for broth to give your wild rice extra flavor.
        • Mix It Up: Add some butter, sautéed onions, or garlic for a flavor boost. Or, mix in herbs, spices, nuts, or other goodies like dried fruit or fresh greens.
        • Store Smart: Cooked wild rice can last in the fridge for about a week. Just keep it in an airtight container.
        • Freeze It: Wild rice freezes well for up to 6 months. Use a freezer-safe container and make sure the rice is fully cooled before freezing.
        • Thaw Like a Pro: Defrost your rice in the fridge overnight or in the microwave with a splash of water to bring back its fluffy texture.

         

        With these tips and tricks, you’ll be a wild rice pro in no time. Happy cooking!

        Comments 

        No comments

        Leave a comment
        Your Email Address Will Not Be Published. Required Fields Are Marked *

        Rebel's Kitchen
        REBEL BOWL

        REBEL BOWL

        ZIZANIA & LENTILS

        ZIZANIA & LENTILS

        CREAM SOUP

        CREAM SOUP

        Related articles