Popped Wild Rice

It's true—you can make Popped Wild Rice much like popcorn. As you can see in the picture, it doesn't get as big and fluffy as popcorn, but it does pop and turn dried grains of wild rice into a crunchy, delicious snack. Note that different wild rice will pop differently and more or less successfully. Wild rice that has been stored for a very long time will pop less that fresher wild rice, since more of its moisture will already have evaporated (just like popcorn, the moisture inside turns to steam and makes the seed "pop" when it gets hot enough).

1. Heat a heavy-bottomed saucepan over high heat. When the pot it hot, add 1/2 to 1 tsp. vegetable oil.
2. Add 1/2 cup wild rice, shake pan to thoroughly coat wild rice, cover, reduce heat to medium high, and shake pan until you can hear the rice popping.
3. Reduce heat to medium low and keep shaking until the popping slows. Note that wild rice will not make as much noise as popcorn does, so you will need to listen closely.
4. Sprinkle with salt to taste and serve.

Makes about 1 cup of Popped Wild Rice.