Northwoods Pilaf

My heart has always been in the north woods of Wisconsin so when I found this recipe I had to try it. Wild rice is not really a rice but a cereal grain and is grown in upstate Wisconsin. This recipe is really unique and very different.

• Ready In: 1 hr 50 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1  cup wild rice
• 1 3⁄4 cups chicken broth or 1 3⁄4 cups  vegetable stock
• 1⁄3 cup vermouth or 1⁄3 cup white wine
• 3  tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 1⁄2 cups  sliced fresh mushrooms
• 3⁄4 cup  sliced celery
• 3⁄4 cup  julienned carrot
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed
• 1⁄3 cup  sliced green onion
• 2  tablespoons  chopped  sweet red peppers
• 1  teaspoon lemon rind, grated
• 1  tablespoon lemon juice
• 1⁄2 teaspoon thyme
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Rinse wild rice under running water, drain and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 325.
3. Grease 2 qt casserole dish.
4. In med saucepan combine broth, vermouth and rice.
5. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
7. Set aside, do not drain.
8. In large skillet, melt 2 TBS butter.
9. Add mushrooms, celery and carrots.
10. Cook 5 minutes.
11. Stir in artichoke hearts, onion, red peppers, peel, juice, thyme, salt and pepper.
12. Add remaining 1 TBS butter and remove from heat.
13. Stir the rice mixture into the veggies.
14. Transfer to baking dish.
15. Cover and bake at 325 for 45 minutes until the rice is done.
16. Stir once half way thru time.
17. For Vegetarians use the vegetable stock.