Wild Rice Whatsis
A hearty, flavorful wild rice dish with green beans, onions, and celery, enhanced by creamy mushroom soup and optional bacon or turkey for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook wild rice with the juice of the green beans and enough water to make up 3 1/2 cups.
- After the rice has cooked for 20 to 30 minutes, add chopped onions and chopped celery.
- When the vegetables are almost done, stir in green beans, mushroom soup, and if using, bacon or leftover turkey nibbles and water chestnuts.
- Bring the mixture to a boil again and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme to the rice while it cooks. If you don't have wild rice, brown rice can be a suitable substitute, but adjust cooking times accordingly. You can also use fresh green beans if you prefer, just blanch them briefly before adding. If looking for a lower fat option, reduce or omit the bacon for a lighter dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. Leftover turkey nibbles make this a great post-holiday dish, reflecting the comfort of American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Rice Whatsis contains roughly 413 calories, with 12g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (65% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 560mg per serving (24% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of the green bean juice. Substitute cream of mushroom soup with a homemade or store-bought vegetarian version to keep the flavors rich and satisfying.
How do I know when the wild rice is cooked properly?
Wild rice is done when it becomes tender and the grains begin to burst open. This generally takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Taste a few grains for texture; they should be slightly chewy, not mushy. If you prefer a softer texture, you can cook it a little longer, adding water as needed.
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas for added color and nutrition. Just be mindful of cooking times; add firmer vegetables earlier and softer ones like peas towards the end to maintain their texture.
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).