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How to Cook Wild Rice Pulao Recipe

Prep Time:

10-15 minutes

Cook Time:

30-45 minutes

Serves:

4

Recipe type:

Gluten-Free & Vegan

About the Recipe

This Indian-style wild rice pulao is a delightful dish. It combines the goodness of wild rice with aromatic spices. Wild rice in Tamil is called as kaattu arisi.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup wild rice

  • 2 cups water

  • 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil

  • 1 onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 green chili, chopped (optional for heat)

  • 1-inch piece of ginger, minced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 2-3 green cardamom pods

  • 4-5 whole cloves

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

  • Salt to taste

  • 1/4 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)

  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Preparation

  • Rinse and Prepare Wild Rice: Rinse the wild rice under cold water. Soak in warm water for 30 minutes. Drain well.

  • Cook Wild Rice: Boil 2 cups of water in a pan. Add the wild rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat. Leave it covered for 5-10 minutes. You can also cook in the pressure cooker for 4-5 whistles.

  • Prepare Spices: While the rice is cooking, heat ghee or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, and other spices. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  • Saute Aromatics: Add sliced onion and green chilli. Cook until onions are slightly brown, for about 5-6 minutes. Stir in minced ginger and garlic, and cook for another minute.

  • Add Spices: Reduce heat to low. Add turmeric powder, ground coriander, cumin powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw flavour goes away.

  • Combine Rice and Spices: Add cooked wild rice to the vessel with the onion-spice mixture. Gently stir to coat the rice evenly with the spices. Add cooked green peas and stir.

  • Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving. Enjoy your aromatic and flavorful Indian-style wild rice pulao!

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Health Benefits of Wild Rice

Wild rice isn't just any rice—it's a nutrient-dense grain that offers many benefits for your health:

  1. Nutrient-Rich: Wild rice has more protein and fibre when compared to white rice. Therefore, it is more filling and supports digestive health.

  2. Antioxidants: It contains antioxidants like anthocyanins and flavonoids. Anti-oxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  3. Vitamins and Minerals: Wild rice is a good source of vitamins B and E. Also it is rich in minerals like manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are essential for overall well-being.


FAQs on Making Wild Rice Pulao

1. What's the difference between wild rice and brown rice? Wild rice is a type of aquatic grass seed, while brown rice is a whole-grain variety of rice. Wild rice has a chewier texture and nuttier flavour compared to brown rice.

2. How do I cook wild rice perfectly? Follow the steps in the recipe to cook wild rice perfectly.

3. Can I substitute wild rice in recipes that call for other types of rice? Of course, you can! You can substitute wild rice in many rice-based recipes for added health benefits. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

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