Wild Rice Recipes...Say That 5 Times

Nothing says Minnesota more than wild rice!  So in a quest for quintessential Minnesota recipes, I have to include two of my favorites: one to warm you up and one to cool you off.  I must admit both are borrowed from dear friends.  But then again, what could be more “Minnesota-nice” than that!

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

½  cup butter

1 small onion, chopped

4 T flour

3 cans chicken broth

1 box Uncle Bens quick wild rice – prepared following box instructions without the butter

1 can wild rice, drained

2 c shredded, cooked chicken

6 T sliced  almonds

½  c chopped carrots

1 pint ½ & ½

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter in large saucepan and sauté onions until translucent.  Add flour and stir 2-3 minutes.   Slowly add chicken broth over medium high heat.  Mixture will start to thicken.  Add remaining ingredients and simmer at least 30 minutes.

Wild Rice Chicken Salad with Cashews and Grapes  (Serves 4-6)

Dressing:

¼ cup light mayo

¼ cup milk

small amount of grated onion

lemon juice (to taste)

salt and pepper

Salad

3 cups wild rice

6 cups water

2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast

2 cups seedless red grapes, halved

1 cup of cashew pieces

Cook wild rice according to package directions.  Drain and cool.  Whisk dressing ingredients in a small bowl.  Combine wild rice, dressing and chicken in bowl.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Add grapes and cashews just prior to serving.