WILD RICE AND MUSHROOM SALAD WITH DRIED FRUIT, GOAT CHEESE AND WALNUTS

WILD RICE AND MUSHROOM SALAD WITH DRIED FRUIT, GOAT CHEESE AND WALNUTS image

Yield 8 people

Number Of Ingredients 19

Water to cook rice in
2 cups wild rice
2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
1 bay leaf
12 sprigs thyme
4 teaspoons grapeseed or canola oil
2 pounds chanterelle or portobello mushrooms, wiped clean and chopped
Vinaigrette:
1/2 cup olive oil
6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
4 large shallots, thinly sliced (can substitute green onions)
2 teaspoons fennel seeds, toasted and cracked
2 teaspoons cumin seeds, toasted and cracked
2 teaspoons coarsely chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 cup mixed dried fruits, such as cherries, cranberries, raisins, chopped figs, or chopped apricots
1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
1 pound stemmed arugula or watercress or any greens
8 ounces fresh white goat cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)

Steps:

To prepare the rice: Cook according to package directions and add the salt, bay leaf, and thyme. Simmer until tender. Drain the rice and remove the bay leaf and thyme; let cool. (This can be done 1 day ahead of time and refrigerated.) You should have 7 cups cooked rice. In a large skillet, heat the grapeseed or canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from heat, drain well, and set aside. To make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, shallots, fennel, cumin, thyme, and pepper and season with salt. Add the dried fruits. In a salad bowl, combine the cooled wild rice, cooked mushrooms, and walnuts. Toss with the vinaigrette and fruits. To serve, portion the salad onto a large platter, top with the greens, and sprinkle with the goat cheese.