Finding recipes that incorporate natural, wild, and healthy whole grains is difficult. Wild rice is one of those grains for me. I love it's nutty, aromatic flavor, but have a difficult time finding unique ways to serve it. 

This recipe has become a staple for us. It is easy to make, delicious, and even the kiddos enjoy it. 

There are some steps to this, but nothing elaborate. It is best if left to marinate in the fridge for a couple of hours/overnight before serving. It also makes a an easy make ahead lunch idea for adults and kids alike.
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Wild Rice is not technically a rice, although it is a distant cousin. It is the seed of a marsh grass found in the northern regions of the world. The most commonly eaten species come from North America and China.  Wild Rice is an ancient grain that has been eaten since the primitive times. Native American culture of North America used the grain for trade, and as a staple in cooking. They used it in soups and doughs. One Traditional recipe stewed Wild Rice grains in Venison broth and Maple Syrup…actually sounds pretty tasty. 

Wild Rice use to be a popular wild grain. It has lost a little favor over the years to some other exotic grains (Quinoa). Unlike Quinoa, Wild Rice is cultivated here in the US and does not need to imported. Like Quinoa, Wild Rice is a rich, whole grain source of protein, fat, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients. Wild Rice has double the protein of brown rice, the same amount as Quinoa, specifically high in Lysine. Here are some more Wild Rice Nutrition Highlights:

• Gluten Free
• Safe for Diabetic because of its high protein, fat and fiber content
• Significant dietary source of Manganese, Magnesium, Zinc, Phosphorus, B6, Folate, and Vitamin C
• Significantly high in the antioxidants anthocyanines, the same ones found in Blueberries

Wild Rice is a super nutritious, whole grain option. For those of you who want the nutritional benefits of Quinoa, but are concerned about the political complications and the importation, should try homegrown Wild Rice.

I got a little spunky today with my herbs. My oregano is OUT OF CONTROL already! I am constantly looking for creative ways to incorporate it into recipes. (Kind of like my Kale). Today, I found some lovely organic Parsley and Cilantro, and the wheels got turning. What I came up with was a Chimichurri sauce to go with some grilled chicken. 

Chimichurri is a traditional sauce from Argentina. It is based on finely minced herbs, garlic, vinegar and oil. It can be used as a topping, or as a marinade. (I like it on top of grilled meats personally).

This recipe is a great jumping point for modifications. Use your imagination, add lemon juice, onion, tomato, or mix up the herbs used and their proportions to find a combination that you like the most.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) contains extremely high amounts of Vitamin K (1366% DV), high amounts of Vitamin A, C, and Mineral Iron.

​Medicinally Parsley has the benefits of...

• Containing compounds that are anti-septic for gums and mouth
• Being High in Antioxidants ORAC value 1301 umol TE/100g

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) contains high amounts of Vitamin A (1933 IU, 39%DV) , Vitamin K (218% DV), Vitamin E,  Folate and B6, and Minerals Iron (12.3mg, 68%DV), Manganese (65% DV), Calcium (44% DV), Magnesium, Potassium and Copper.

Medicinally, Oregano has the benefits of…

• 4x more antioxidants than blueberries, 175,295 umol TE/100g for dried!
• It inhibits the growth of candida
• It is a natural antibiotic (there have been some preliminary research that shows promise of concentrated oregano being a more effective antibiotic than penicillin).
• It can kill MRSA, (according to a single study)
• Contains anti-inflammatory, beta-caryophyllin
• Oil is anti-biotic, anti-fungal, anti-viral

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), also known as Coriander Leaves and Chinese Parsley, contains high amounts of Vitamin A (1889 IU, 38%DV), Vitamin K (109% DV), Vitamin C and in smaller amounts minerals Manganese and Potassium. 

Medicinally, Cilantro has the benefits of…

• Anti-septic properties
• Some studies show it as a use to lower blood sugar levels

Garlic (Allium sativum) is an indispensable culinary herb that not only ads great depth of flavor, but also provides high amounts of B vitamins and Vitamin C, Mineral Manganese and lower amounts of Minerals Copper, Selenium, Phosphorus and Iron.

Medicinally Garlic has the benefits of...

• High in antioxidants, having a ORAC value of 5346 umol/TE100g
• Raw garlic, when crushed, contains Allicin, which has many health benefits including, lowering cholesterol, decreasing blood vessel stiffness, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties.

​Olive Oil provides Vitamin K, Vitamin E, Iron, Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9.