Company Wild Rice
A hearty and creamy wild rice casserole featuring mushrooms, green pepper, and aromatic spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir wild rice into 1 1/2 cups boiling water and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a heavy saucepan.
- Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes, or until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- Saute chopped onion, green pepper, and drained sliced mushrooms in butter in a large skillet for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, dried marjoram, dash of basil and tarragon, curry powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the cooked rice.
- Pour mixture into a buttered casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F until bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing minced garlic with the vegetables. If you don’t have wild rice, brown rice can be a good substitute, though cooking times may vary. You can enhance the creaminess by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a vegetarian version, ensure your cream of mushroom soup is meat-free.
Serving Suggestions
This wild rice dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or a fresh garden salad. It can be served as a hearty side or as a main dish for a vegetarian meal. Consider serving it alongside a slice of Buttermilk Pie(Delicious) for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. For a crispy topping, consider broiling for a few minutes after reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Company Wild Rice contains roughly 117 calories, with 5g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (25% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use other types of rice for this recipe?
While wild rice gives a unique texture and flavor, you can substitute with brown rice. Just be mindful that cooking times may differ, and you may need more liquid to ensure it's fully cooked.
Is there a way to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I do if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?
You can make a homemade version by combining equal parts of milk and broth with sautéed mushrooms and a roux. This alternative will maintain the creamy texture and flavor profile needed for the dish.
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).