WILD RICE STUFFING

WILD RICE STUFFING

• 1 cup wild rice
• 1 stick (4 oz.) butter
• 1 pound mixed mushrooms, sliced
• Salt and pepper
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 ribs celery with leaves, ribs and leaves separated and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh chives

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups salted water to a boil. Add the wild rice; return to a boil. Reduce the heat, partially cover and simmer until rice is al dente, 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the variety. Drain.
2. In a large skillet, melt 4 tbsp. butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms; season. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates and the mushrooms begin to brown, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 4 tbsp. butter. Add the onion, carrots, celery ribs, garlic and bay leaves; season. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are soft, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the white rice, wild rice and 1 3/4 cups water. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until rice is tender, about 18 minutes. Discard bay leaves.
4. Stir in the mushrooms, half of the celery leaves and the chives; season. Sprinkle with the remaining celery leaves.