Aunt Em'S Wild Rice
A flavorful wild rice casserole with tender chicken broth, crunchy almonds, and savory mushroom, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine wild rice and chicken broth in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil; cover and remove from heat, then let cool.
- Fry chopped celery and onions in butter until transparent.
- Mix cooled, fluffy rice with cooked celery and onions.
- Place mixture in a casserole dish with mushroom pieces and juice.
- Cover with cream of mushroom soup.
- Sprinkle slivered almonds on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Add a little water if the casserole becomes dry during baking.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the rice while cooking. For a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the cream of mushroom soup, using a plant-based alternative instead. If you want extra texture, try adding sautéed mushrooms instead of canned ones. Toasting the slivered almonds before sprinkling them on top can also elevate the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Aunt Em's Wild Rice makes a wonderful standalone dish but pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or pork. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh salad, such as Marinated Potato And Mushroom Salad, to complement the flavors. This dish is perfect for potlucks or holiday gatherings, providing a hearty and satisfying option for guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or place in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If the casserole appears dry, add a splash of broth or water before reheating to restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Em'S Wild Rice contains roughly 418 calories, with 15g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 494mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply follow the instructions up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for wild rice?
If you don't have wild rice, you can use a mix of brown and white rice or even quinoa. Just be aware that cooking times will vary, so adjust according to the type of rice you choose.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
For added protein, you can mix in cooked chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas. This not only boosts nutrition but also makes the casserole more filling and hearty.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).