Question: Main Squeeze or Side Piece?
You decide your relationship with this dish. It’s hearty enough to work as a meal & just as perfect as an accompaniment to your favorite main dish. You could even add to greens the next day as a sloppy second. Ok, taking the puns too far. I’ll stop, I don’t want to ruin our relationship.
Herbed Mushroom Wild Rice Medley
A side dish? A main dish? You decide! Either way you won't be wrong.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups wild rice
- 16 oz mushrooms, chopped shitake, baby bella or white mushrooms
- 1 large shallot, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2-3/4 cup apple cider sub apple juice
- 1 tbsp vegan butter sub olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup grated vegan parmesan optional
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare 2 cups of wild rice following the package directions. Use the vegetable broth as a portion of the recommended cooking liquid. Keep lid on rice until time to serve. See notes.
- Slice the mushrooms & chop the walnuts.
- In a large pan over medium heat melt the butter. Add the mushrooms & shallot & saute for about 7-8 minutes until they start to turn a golden brown. Add the walnuts & cook for another 3 minutes. Add the apple cider, salt & pepper. Stir well. Lower heat & cook until liquid has dissolved.
- Chop the parsley.
- If using vegan parmesan, chop up the grated cheese until it is in tiny pieces. Add to the rice & give it a good toss to mix. Add the parsley. Toss well.
- Plate the rice & top with the mushroom mixture. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
Wild rice varies tremendously with the mixture of grains & as a result cooking times vary dramatically between brands. Follow the directions on the container. Just make sure to use 1 cup of vegetable broth as a portion of the liquid they recommend. This will boost the flavor of the rice.
Choose your favorite mushrooms or use a mix. They all work!
The vegan parmesan amps up the flavor so I highly recommend. It does add a bit of saltiness so season lightly with any additional salt until you've tasted.