Wild rice or zizania palustris is not exactly a type of rice, but the seed of an aquatic plant native to North America that grows in shallow lakes and on the banks of rivers. Its elongated, thin shape and dark brown color give this rice a very exotic air.
In addition to its characteristic appearance, wild rice is very nutritious and provides us with a large number of benefits for the body.
BENEFITS OF WILD RICE
- Wild rice contains up to 15% vegetable protein , perfect for those people who do not consume protein of animal origin or who need extra protein.
- In addition, it is rich in fiber, so its consumption prevents fats and sugars from food from being absorbed and accumulating in the blood and arteries.
- This type of rice is perfect for diabetics, as it has a low glycemic index (GI 35) that prevents sudden increases in blood sugar.
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- Another good reason to eat wild rice regularly is its low fat content and its great contribution of B vitamins and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, potassium and copper.
HOW TO COOK WILD RICE
Wild rice , since it has a thick skin rich in wax, needs to be cooked for about 45-60 minutes in plenty of salted water (you will need approximately 3 parts water to 1 part wild rice).
If you prefer, we recommend letting the rice soak overnight so that it is free of impurities and thus reducing the cooking time to about 30 minutes.
You will know that the rice is well cooked when the brown skin has opened and the white grain inside is visible.
Keep in mind that wild rice absorbs a lot of water and quadruples its volume once cooked. Therefore, with a small amount you will have enough.
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Another very interesting and delicious suggestion is to fry the wild rice directly in a pan with a little hot oil. The result is a crispy rice with a light hazelnut flavor. A delight to complement salads or give an exotic touch to your dishes.
