Citrus flavored Cremini Mushrooms n Wild Rice Pilaf

Wild Rice is not really rice but the  seed from an aquatic grass. This rice is dark brown to black in color and has a delicious nutty flavor.You will often find it as a mix of brown or white  basmati/Texmati and wild rice in grocery stores . The Indian brand Kohinoor also carries it.Below is a recipe for a delicious wild rice dish .The citrus vinaigrette compliments greatly with the nutty flavors of the rice and the cremini mushrooms add a great full bodied flavor .Enjoy it with your favorite vegetable or chicken curry.Do add all the vinaigrette ingredients ,you will not taste the honey at all as it balances out with the soy sauce and citrus flavors.

Ingredients :

8-10 brown cremini mushrooms

1 tsp lemon -pepper seasoning

1 tbsp olive oil

                                  4 cups water

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2  teaspoon olive oil
2 cups brown basmati rice n wild rice mix
3/4 cup chopped fresh coriander leaves
1 lemon, zested
1 cup thinly sliced green onions

For the Citrus Vinaigrette :

1/2 cup olive oil

Juice and zest of 1 orange
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
 salt and freshly ground black pepper


Directions :
For the Mushrooms:

 Wash and thickly slice the cremini mushrooms .Heat olive oil in a pan. add the mushrooms and lemon-pepper seasoning and saute for 5 mins.keep aside.

For the Citrus Vinaigrette:


In a blender, combine the olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, and cumin taking the measurements listed under 'Citrus Vinaigrette'. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

For the wild rice blend:

Wash and rinse the rice ,strain and keep aside.Heat 1/2 tsp olive oil in a pot. Add the washed rice and saute for 30 secs.Add 4 cups of water ,salt and bring to a boil .Let most of the water evaporate and then remove from heat ,cover the pot and let steam for 5-7 mins..Remove the cover and gently mix in  the prepared vinaigrette,chopped green onions,corinader leaves,lemon zest,orange zest  n sauteed mushrooms.Serve hot with vegetable or chicken curry.