Mahnomin Porridge

Adapted from https://gemini.google.com/share/b5daf297d5e9

Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS

Cooked wild rice: 3 cups (about 1 cup raw wild rice cooked in 3 cups water or mild broth until tender and fully blossomed, then drained)
Heavy cream or whole milk: 1 cup (use heavy cream for classic richness, or substitute half-and-half)
Pure maple syrup: 3 to 4 tablespoons (or local honey)
Dried cranberries or blueberries: ½ cup
Roasted hazelnuts, pecans, or walnuts: ½ cup, coarsely chopped
Ground cinnamon: ½ teaspoon
Pure vanilla extract: ½ teaspoon
Pinch of fine sea salt
Optional for serving: Fresh blueberries or raspberries, extra warm cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup

STEPS

1) Combine the base ingredients

Prep time: 2 mins:

1) In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the 3 cups cooked wild rice, 1 cup heavy cream (or milk), 3 tablespoons maple syrup, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

2) Simmer until thick and creamy

Cook time: 8-10 mins:

1) Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently so the dairy doesn't scorch on the bottom. Let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the wild rice absorbs the cream and the liquid reduces into a porridge consistency.

2) Fold in nuts, fruit, and vanilla

Cook time: 2 mins:

1) Stir in ½ cup dried cranberries/blueberries, ½ cup chopped toasted nuts, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Keep on low heat for 2 additional minutes to warm the berries and toast the flavors through.

2) Adjust and serve

Final step:

1) Taste and adjust sweetness with extra maple syrup if desired. Scoop into warm bowls and finish with a splash of fresh cream and a handful of fresh berries or toasted nuts.


NOTES

Hand-harvested vs. Cultivated: Hand-harvested lake wild rice (Manoomin) cooks much faster (approx. 20–25 minutes) and yields a lighter, fluffier grain than dark, thick-hulled cultivated patty wild rice (which takes 45–50 minutes).

Make-ahead convenience: Wild rice freezes exceptionally well after being boiled. Keep small batches of cooked wild rice in the freezer to pull out and whip up this porridge in under 10 minutes.