Baked Leeks with Mushroom Wild Rice Pilaf

Wild rice is the seed of one of four aquatic grasses in the genus Zizania, three of which are native to North America and one is native to China, and has been consumed by people for thousands of years. Though wild rice is similar to rice from Asia, Oryza sativa, they are not directly related, which means wild rice is not truly rice. Because wild rice grows in colder conditions, the seed itself requires more energy to germinate resulting in high levels of protein. Wild rice makes a great addition to any number of dishes as it has a sweet nutty flavor and chewy texture. Baked leeks with mushroom wild rice pilaf is delicious with any number of dishes including feta roasted potatoes and arugula salad.

3 leeks, trimmed and halved

1 c small mushrooms, quartered

½ c cooked wild rice

1 tsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter

1 tsp rosemary

1 tsp parsley

salt and pepper

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spread leeks on a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake leeks until tender, 10-15 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.

2. Place butter in a medium pan over medium low heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add rice and herbs and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for about 5 more minutes. Once rice is thoroughly heated and herbs are fragrant, remove from heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3. Arrange leeks on plates or a platter, spoon pilaf over leeks. Serve warm or room temperature.

Serves 3-4