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How to Cook Wild Rice Carbs

by Rameen Nadeem
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Wild Rice Carbs

Wild rice carbs are lower in carbs than other types of rice, with 32 grams of net carbs per cooked cup (164 grams). It is also high in antioxidants, along with zinc, vitamin B6, and folate.

Wild rice carbs is a semi-aquatic grass that grows with abundance in North America’s Great Lakes region. It’s one of the only two native grains commonly eaten in the United States, and the firm texture and nutty flavor of its long, black grains make wild rice stand apart from its white and brown counterparts.

5 Potential Health Benefits Of Wild Rice Carbs

Wild rice carbs have many health advantages, including improving digestion, boosting immunity, promoting growth and repair, improving bone strength, preventing birth defects, assisting with weight loss, preventing chronic diseases, acting as a natural treatment for osteoporosis, protecting the heart, preventing aging, being a superfood for those adhering to a gluten-free diet, and preventing macular degeneration.

May Promote Heart Health

The high fiber content of wild rice carbs lowers LDL cholesterol levels (bad cholesterol). Increased fiber consumption, especially from cereals, can lower the risk of cardiovascular problems. Consuming whole grains, according to research, reduces the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).

Could Aid in Managing Diabetes – Wild Rice Carbs

Viscous fiber must be a part of a diet plan to manage type 2 diabetes. The fiber in wild rice lowers cholesterol and aids in blood sugar regulation. Wild rice carbs also have a low GI and are beneficial for controlling diabetes.

May Promote Growth And Repair – Wild Rice Carbs

Wild rice carbs have a higher protein content than white rice. Its high protein content might be advantageous for fostering healthy growth in our bodies and helping us gain muscular mass.

Good Source of Antioxidants – Wild Rice Carbs

Wild rice’s phenolic compounds are a great source of dietary antioxidants. Wild rice carbs often contain 9–13 times more phenolic antioxidants per serving than white rice.

May Aid in Weight Loss – Wild Rice Carbs

Fewer calories, less fat and sugar, and more fiber can be found in wild rice. Because they are metabolized slowly, meals high in fiber encourage rapid satiety. Due to these qualities, wild rice carbs is a fantastic addition to diets for weight loss and management.

The dark grains of wild rice carbs also give a striking visual aspect to the dish. It has a distinct green flavor and smoky undertone. Check out the section after this one to learn how to prepare and consume wild rice.

Promotes Development And Repair

The human body can benefit from the high protein content of wild rice carbs by having proper growth, the increased muscular mass, and balanced development. A sufficient protein intake is necessary for overall health because proteins are made up of amino acids, which serve as the basis for life. Wild rice is a fantastic source of protein, especially for vegetarians who don’t routinely consume animal proteins.

Aids in Improving Digestion

An amazing amount of dietary fiber can be found in wild rice carbs. Fiber optimizes cholesterol balance while also bulking up stools and facilitating digestion. Dietary fiber can aid in the elimination of constipation, diarrheic, bloating, cramping, and excessive flatulence as well as more severe gastrointestinal issues like colorectal cancer, gastric ulcers, and hemorrhoids by promoting peristalsis.

Prevents The Development of Chronic Disorders

The antioxidants in wild rice carbs have been found to lessen the risks of various chronic illness conditions, including heart-related problems, diabetes, and even some types of cancer. However, research on chronic diseases takes years for solid results to be publicly accepted. This is because the harmful free radicals are being neutralized.

Wild Rice Carbs

How to Cook Wild Rice Carbs

While wild rice carbs are wonderful when served by itself, it also is a nice addition to salads, soups, and even casseroles. Its nutty and earthy flavors elevate an otherwise boring dish instantly. If you agree, consider this post as your guide to How To Cook Wild Rice. I will show you how to cook it on the stovetop, in a rice cooker, microwave, and pressure cooker.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup wild rice rinsed well – Not soaked
  • 3 cups of water, or vegetable, chicken, or beef stock
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp. butter (or oil) you will need oil if you are using the rice cooker method

Instructions

To Cook Wild Rice Carbs on The Stove Top:

  • Place wild rice, water (or stock), and salt in a saucepan with a lid over medium-high heat
  • Put the lid on and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for 40-45 minutes. You will know that it is cooked when some of the kernels burst open. If you soaked your wild rice the cooking time should be around 20-30 minutes
  • Drain excess liquid and serve

To Cook Wild Rice Carbs in Rice Cooker:

  • Rub the rice cooker insert with a tablespoon of butter or vegetable oil
  • Add 1 cup of wild rice, 2 cups of water, and a ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Give it a stir
  • Select the brown rice (or white rice) option and let it cook. During my testing, it took about 45-55 minutes for wild rice to cook in a rice cooker
  • When the cooking cycle is completed, let it rest for 10 minutes and fluff it with a fork before serving

In Microwave: To Cook Wild Rice Carbs

  • Place 1 cup of wild rice, 3 cups of water, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt in a microwave safe bowl. Give it a stir
  • Use a large enough microwave safe plate to cover
  • Microwave on full power for 6 minutes. Carefully remove it from the microwave and give it a stir. It will be very hot so be careful
  • Microwave on medium (50%) power for 25-30 minutes. Remove from the microwave and let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes
  • Most of the water should be absorbed and wild rice should be fully cooked and tender
  • If not, microwave (covered with the plate) at full power in 1- minute intervals until it is fully cooked

Notes

  • An easy way to flavor wild rice is to cook it in chicken or vegetable broth so if you want, you can use a combination of water and stock
  • The amount of liquid you will need for the rice cooker method is 2 cups (it is not a typo) 
  • While I shared the microwave method, I caution you on keeping a close eye on it as it cooks. The results you get and the timing might differ based on your microwave
  • I have tried this recipe both with cultivated and true wild rice varieties and the 3 cups of liquid worked perfectly for both of them. However, I read on a few other sites that some commercial wild rice sold in supermarkets sometimes requiress more liquid. Therefore, I suggest keeping an eye on it during the cooking process and adding more boiling water, if necessary
  • To freeze: Be sure to drain it first and then place it in airtight containers. It will keep fresh up to 6 months. I freeze mine in small (1-cup) quantities so that I can grab the exact amount when I need it. Be sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight a day before you need to use it

FAQs – Wild Rice Carbs

Is wild rice the healthiest rice?

Wild Rice is rich in antioxidants and is considered a healthy option, especially when compared to white rice. The low calorie and high nutrient contents make wild rice a nutrient-dense food. It’s a very impressive source of minerals and a great plant-based protein source.

Is wild rice real rice?

Wild Rice is the grain of a reed-like aquatic plant (Zizania palustris), which is unrelated to rice. It is grown in the United States and also in Canada. The grains are long, slender and black, with a distinctive earthy, nutty flavor.

How is wild rice different from regular rice?

Wild rice has fewer calories, less fat, and fewer carbohydrates than both brown and white rice. It is also a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids. Additionally, it contains more fiber, potassium, and zinc than white and brown rice.

Which is better basmati or wild rice?

Both wild rice and basmati rice have different nutrients that are beneficial, but if we had to pick one over the other, we’d have to go with wild rice. Due to its a higher protein, fiber, and antioxidant levels, wild rice comes out on top as the healthier option.

Can you eat wild rice on low carb diet?

As you can see, wild rice is the lowest carb rice. However, with ~32 grams of net carbs in each half-cup, it’ll be challenging to fit it into a low-carb or keto diet without cutting out other nutritious keto-friendly foods.

Wild Rice Carbs

Conclusion – Wild Rice Carbs

Wild rice carbs are lower in carbs than other types of rice, with 32 grams of net carbs per cooked cup (164 grams). It is also high in antioxidants, along with zinc, vitamin B6, and folate. Wild Rice is the grain of a reed-like aquatic plant (Zizania palustris), which is unrelated to rice. It is grown in the United States and also in Canada. The grains are long, slender and black, with a distinctive earthy, nutty flavor.

Wild Rice carbs are rich in antioxidants and are considered a healthy option, especially when compared to white rice. The low calorie and high nutrient contents make wild rice a nutrient-dense food. It’s a very impressive source of minerals and a great plant-based protein source.

While wild rice carbs is wonderful when served by itself, it also is a nice addition to salads, soups, and even casseroles. Its nutty and earthy flavors elevate an otherwise boring dish instantly. As you can see, wild rice is the lowest carb rice. However, with ~32 grams of net carbs in each half-cup, it’ll be challenging to fit it into a low-carb without cutting out other nutritious friendly foods.

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