Wild rice with balsamic mushrooms

Wild Rice with Balsamic Mushrooms Recipe

The Wild rice with balsamic mushrooms is a dish that combines the natural and earthy flavors of wild rice with the acidic sweetness of balsamic vinegar and the juicy texture of mushrooms. This recipe is not only delicious but also a healthy and distinct option to share at home, being perfect for those looking to move beyond traditional white rice and add a gourmet touch with easily accessible ingredients.

• ArrozDelMonte: a rice with a longer grain and deep flavor
• ChampiBalsámico: mushrooms bathed in balsamic sauce for a contrasting flavor
• SalvajeSabor: the unique taste provided by wild rice that is unlike common rice

Preparation time

This dish is prepared in a reasonable amount of time, ideal for a family lunch or dinner without complications.

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 45 minutes
• Total: 60 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Intermediate

The slightly longer cooking time of wild rice is due to its robust texture and the fact that it is cooked in liquid to release that characteristic texture that makes it so special.

Ingredients

For the rice and hydration

• 1 cup wild rice
• 4 cups of water
• 1 tablespoon of chicken bouillon powder
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (optional)

For the balsamic mushrooms

• 1 ½ cups chopped mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• ¼ finely chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

If you can't find wild rice, you can substitute it with a mix of brown rice and quinoa to get closer to its texture. If you don't have balsamic vinegar, lime juice with a touch of honey can provide a similar acidity, though less intense.

Utensils we will use

• Medium pot for cooking rice
• Skillet for sautéing mushrooms and vegetables
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Ladle or spatula for stirring
• Colander for washing rice
• Measuring cup for liquids and rice

Preparation

1. Preliminary rice preparation

1. Wash the wild rice:
   • Place the rice in a colander and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear.
   • This step removes dust and helps prevent the grains from sticking during cooking.
2. Place the rice in a colander and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear.
3. This step removes dust and helps prevent the grains from sticking during cooking.
4. Hydrate the rice (optional but recommended):
   • Soak the rice with agua fresca for 20 minutes to soften the grains.
   • This reduces cooking time and improves the final texture.
5. Soak the rice in fresh water for 20 minutes to soften the grains.
6. This reduces cooking time and improves the final texture.

2. Cooking the rice

1. Boil the water with seasonings:
   • In the pot, pour the 4 cups of water along with the bay leaf and chicken broth to provide deep flavor.
   • Wait for it to boil vigorously.
2. In the pot, pour the 4 cups of water along with the bay leaf and chicken broth to provide deep flavor.
3. Wait for it to boil vigorously.
4. Add the rice and cook over low heat:
   • Add the washed and drained rice.
   • Cover the pot and let the rice cook over low heat, without stirring, until the liquid has been absorbed, about 40-45 minutes.
   • If the rice absorbs everything and is still hard, add a little more water and cook until the grains are tender to the bite.
5. Add the washed and drained rice.
6. Cover the pot and let the rice cook over low heat, without stirring, until the liquid has been absorbed, about 40-45 minutes.
7. If the rice absorbs everything and is still hard, add a little more water and cook until the grains are tender to the bite.

3. Preparation of the balsamic mushrooms

1. Sauté the onions and garlic:
   • In a pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
   • Sauté the chopped onion until transparent, then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute to release aromas.
2. In a pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté the chopped onion until transparent, then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute to release aromas.
4. Add the mushrooms:
   • Add the chopped mushrooms and cook without stirring much for 3 minutes so they begin to brown.
   • Sprinkle the powdered chicken broth and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until caramelized edges are obtained.
5. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook without stirring much for 3 minutes so they begin to brown.
6. Sprinkle the powdered chicken broth and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until caramelized edges are obtained.
7. Finish with balsamic vinegar:
   • Lower the heat and add the balsamic vinegar. Mix well so that the mushrooms absorb the flavor.
   • Cook for 2 more minutes and remove from heat to prevent the vinegar from losing its intensity.
8. Lower the heat and add the balsamic vinegar. Mix well so that the mushrooms absorb the flavor.
9. Cook for 2 more minutes and remove from heat to prevent the vinegar from losing its intensity.

4. To finish and serve

Once the rice is ready and the mushrooms have that balsamic sheen, integrate both into the pot or a large platter so that the flavors mix. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Serve hot, ideally accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to complement the dish. This rice stands out especially alongside fish with citrus sauces or a simple baked chicken. A delicacy with an artisanal touch that captivates the palate!

I want to share these tips with you

• Wash the wild rice thoroughly to remove impurities and prevent a gummy texture.
• Soak the rice to speed up cooking and achieve softer grains, without losing its WildGourmet.
• Do not stir the rice during cooking so that the grains do not break apart and a natural creamy layer forms.
• Caramelize the mushrooms without moving them too much at first so that the toasted crust that enriches the flavor forms.
• Use a good balsamic vinegar to add a touch of BalsámicoNatural without it being too acidic.
• Don't overuse salt since the consommé already adds seasoning, adjust to taste at the end.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 311 kcal
• Proteins: 7 g
• Fats: 9 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3.5 g

These values are approximate per serving and may vary depending on the exact amount used and ingredient brands.

5 keys to make it perfect

• Key 1: Rice quality – Prefer a long-grain wild rice without dust to maintain the authentic GranoVerde.
• Key 2: Heat control – Cook over low heat to prevent the rice from burning or sticking to the bottom and to achieve even cooking.
• Key 3: Fresh mushrooms – Use fresh, firm mushrooms that release their flavor without making the dish too watery.
• Key 4: Balanced Vinaigrette – Add the balsamic vinegar at the end to preserve its intense flavor and prevent it from evaporating.
• Key 5: Rice Cooking Time – Patience when cooking the rice, it is the key time to achieve its wild and special texture.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

This Wild rice with balsamic mushrooms is an excellent option for family meals or for an elegant but simple dinner at home. Its flavor profile is ideal for cooler months where warm and deep dishes are more appreciated. It also works as an appetizer for special celebrations or as an accompaniment to meats or fish, for example, a tikin xic fish marinated, enhancing the MonteChampi and the SalvajeSabor of the rice.

Comparison table

Combine and complement with tutorial videos

These videos will help you better understand how to achieve authentic-tasting rice and the ideal caramelization of mushrooms.

Also try techniques for preparing sautéed mushrooms with balsamic vinegar and explore options to enhance the flavor with other ingredients.