Delicious Wild Rice Porridge (Printable version)

Creamy wild rice simmered with warm spices, milk, and maple syrup creates this comforting breakfast bowl perfect for cozy mornings.

# List of ingredients:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup wild rice, rinsed thoroughly

→ Liquids

02 - 3 cups water
03 - 2 cups whole milk or non-dairy milk alternative

→ Sweeteners & Flavorings

04 - 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Optional Toppings

09 - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
10 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
11 - Fresh berries for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Combine wild rice and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 35 minutes until grains are tender but retain a slight chew.
02 - Drain any remaining cooking water. Return rice to saucepan and pour in milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all seasonings evenly throughout the grains.
03 - Cook over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching, for 10 minutes until mixture thickens and achieves a creamy, porridge-like consistency. The rice should absorb most of the liquid while remaining tender.
04 - Remove from heat source and stir in vanilla extract until fully blended. Let rest for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
05 - Ladle warm porridge into individual serving bowls. Top generously with chopped nuts, dried fruit, and fresh berries. Serve immediately while hot for optimal texture and flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The wild rice creates this incredible chewy texture that keeps you interested with every spoonful
  • It reheats beautifully so Monday mornings get the same love as Sunday
  • Your whole kitchen will smell like cinnamon and warmth before you even sit down to eat
02 -
  • Wild rice takes longer to cook than regular rice, so don't rush that initial 35-minute simmer or you'll end up with chewy, unpleasant grains
  • The porridge thickens considerably as it cools, so don't panic if it seems slightly loose when you first remove it from the heat
  • Stirring constantly during the milk stage isn't optional—the milk can catch and scorch on the bottom of the pan, which creates an off flavor throughout the whole batch
03 -
  • Buy wild rice from the bulk section where you can see and smell the quality—the grains should smell fresh and nutty, not musty
  • If the rice is still chewy after 35 minutes, add another quarter cup of water and continue cooking. Every batch behaves differently.