Springtime Wilder Rice Brings out the Best of Spring

I love spring.  My favorite vegetables are in the markets, fresh and delicious, such as pencil thin asparagus, spring onions, fresh plump mushrooms, and beautiful edible blossoms.  The flavors are amazingly diverse and very versatile, lending themselves to fantastic dishes, like Springtime Wilder Rice.  It’s rare that I use edible blossoms, but I found some in the produce section with the fresh herbs, and had to add the zesty blooms to the dish.  Not only do they lend beautiful color, but they add a spicy bite not available in ordinary ground peppers.

Add a Rainbow to Your Table with Springtime Wilder Rice

Start with a wonderful wild rice mix for a great smorgasbord of textures.  There are many bags and boxes of unflavored wild rice mixes on the market, so look for one that appeals to you.  You’ll love it in Springtime Wilder Rice.  With yellow tomatoes, or even a mix of tomatoes, you will brighten not only the flavor of the dish but the color too!  And Springtime Wilder Rice wouldn’t be complete without the secret ingredients: a touch of bacon and also Mrs. Dash’s Garlic and Herb seasoning blend.  Really, what isn’t made better by a bit of bacon?  And Mrs. Dash adds just a bit of flavor without any salt.  How perfect is that?

Make Springtime Wilder Rice Ahead!

Springtime Wilder Rice is reheatable!  Leave the tomatoes on the side, but make the recipe as usual.  Place in a microwaveable bowl and refrigerate.  When it’s time for your meal, reheat for about 4 minutes.  Stir in the tomatoes and top with the flowers for a beautiful presentation.

1/2 lb bacon

1/4 C (1/2 stick) butter

3 T olive oil

4 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced thin

1/2 lb baby asparagus, washed and cut into 1/2 inch lengths

1 1/2 C wild rice mix, dry

6 green onions, tops sliced and bottoms saved for another recipe

4 oz yellow tomatoes, cut into quarters

1/2 t Mrs. Dash Garlic and Herb seasoning blend

sm pkg edible flowers (optional)

Cook the wild rice mix according to the package directions.  While that is cooking prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Place the bacon on an ungreased baking sheet.  Bake in 400 degree F oven until crispy, about 10-15 minutes.  Drain and set aside.

In a saute pan, melt the butter over medium heat.  Add the olive oil and mushrooms.  Saute until the mushrooms start to brown.  Add the cut asparagus and saute another 3 minutes.  Set aside.

When the rice is cooked, place it in a large bowl.  Add all the ingredients except the flowers and stir gently to mix.

Add the flowers as edible garnish and serve.

Change up your side dishes this week.  Serve some Springtime Wilder Rice!