Mushroom and Wild Rice Hotdish
Serves 6
“Hotdish” is the term used for casseroles here in Minnesota, where wild rice is the official state grain. Just the right amount sour cream is blended in for a comforting dish that’s both light and satisfying.
½ cup uncooked wild rice and brown rice blend
1 ½ tsp. vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large stalk celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. button mushrooms, sliced
1 tsp. grated lemon zest
1 cup creamy portobello mushroom soup, such as Imagine
2 T. lemon juice
6 oz. chicken tenders, non breaded
⅓ cup sour cream
2 T. panko breadcrumbs
Parsley for garnish, optional
Prep Day: Bring 1 cup water to a boil in medium saucepan. Stir in rice, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 30 to 40 minutes, or until rice is tender.
Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic. Cook 5 to 6 minutes, or until onion is soft. Add mushrooms and lemon zest. Cook 4 to 6 minutes, or until mushrooms are soft and beginning to brown. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Stir in mushroom soup and lemon juice. Remove from heat, and stir in Chik’n Tenders, rice, and sour cream. Spoon into 8-inch-square baking dish, and top with breadcrumbs. Wrap and freeze.
Serve Day: Cook from frozen. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cover casserole with foil, and place on baking sheet. Bake 1 hour, or until filling bubbles and top is golden. Remove foil during last 15 minutes of baking. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.