Popped Wild Rice

The best wild rice to use for popping is hand processed wild rice which usually contains more moisture in each kernel than mechanically processed rice, which causes the rice to expand when heated.

Place about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a small, thick bottomed shallow pan. Using a fryer thermometer heat oil at high temperature until oil is at 450 F. place 2 tablespoons of wild rice in a wire strainer and place in hot oil. When rice cracks open and expands to about double it’s size, empty the strainer out onto paper toweling. Repeat adding oil and adjusting heat as necessary. Season to taste with salt and pepper.