Basmati and Wild Rice Salad 🥗
Description: This vibrant Basmati and Wild Rice Salad is perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to weeknight dinners. With its enticing blend of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and can be easily scaled up to feed a crowd. Serve it alongside beef tenderloin for an elegant meal that’s sure to impress!
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 6
- Keywords: Vegan, Potluck, Weeknight, Brunch, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 cups | Water |
| 4 tsp | Salt |
| 1/2 cup | Wild rice |
| 1 1/2 cups | Basmati rice |
| 2 tsp | Fresh ginger |
| 1/2 tsp | Ground nutmeg |
| 1/2 tsp | Ground cumin |
| 2-3 tbsp | Fresh lemon juice |
| 1/2 cup | Green onion |
| – | Dried currants |
| 1/2 cup | Marsala |
| 1/2 cup | Pine nuts |
| – | Olive oil |
| – | Black pepper (to taste) |
Instructions:
-
Cook the Rice:
- In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of salt to a boil.
- Add the wild rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, until the rice is tender.
- In another medium saucepan, combine the basmati rice and the remaining 2 1/2 cups water. Let it sit for 1 hour.
- After soaking, bring the basmati rice to a boil. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of salt and the fresh ginger. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the rice absorbs all the water and becomes tender. Discard the ginger.
-
-
Prepare the Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ground nutmeg, ground cumin, and fresh lemon juice.
- Gradually add olive oil while whisking until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
-
Assemble the Salad:
- While the rice is still warm, combine the cooked wild rice and basmati rice in a large bowl.
- Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the rice mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in the chopped green onions, dried currants, any remaining Marsala, and pine nuts.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
-
Serve:
- Allow the salad to cool to room temperature before serving.
- Enjoy this flavorful Basmati and Wild Rice Salad as a standalone dish or as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite main course.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, this versatile salad is sure to please. With its aromatic spices, sweet currants, and crunchy pine nuts, it’s a celebration of flavor in every bite. Try it out and watch it become a staple in your culinary repertoire!
