How To Cook Wild Rice In Aroma Rice Cooker

by

Aroma rice cookers can prepare wild rice with a simple ratio adjustment and a longer cooking cycle. If you want to know how to cook wild rice in aroma rice cooker, the key is using more water than you would for white rice and letting the machine run a full cycle. Wild rice is not actually rice at all. It is a aquatic grass seed with a firm, nutty texture that needs extra time and moisture to soften properly.

Most Aroma models have a “Brown Rice” or “Whole Grain” setting. That setting works best here. If your cooker only has a basic white rice mode, you can still get good results by adding extra water and running two cycles if needed.

Understanding Wild Rice And Your Aroma Cooker

Wild rice takes much longer to cook than white or brown rice. A typical Aroma rice cooker heats water to a boil, then simmers until the water is absorbed. Wild rice needs about 45 to 60 minutes of actual cooking time. Some machines will do this in one long cycle. Others will need a second run.

You should also know that wild rice comes in different forms. There is true wild rice, which is dark and slender. There is also a cultivated version that cooks a bit faster. Both work in an Aroma cooker, but true wild rice may need a few extra minutes.

Water To Rice Ratio For Wild Rice

The standard ratio for wild rice is 1 cup of rice to 3 cups of water. Some people use 1 to 4 for a softer texture. In an Aroma rice cooker, start with 1 to 3. If the rice comes out too chewy after the cycle, add another half cup of water and run a short cycle.

  • 1 cup wild rice = 3 cups water or broth
  • 2 cups wild rice = 6 cups water or broth
  • Add a pinch of salt if you like
  • Do not overfill the inner pot past the max line
See also  How Long To Cook Cubed Chicken Thighs In Air Fryer

What You Will Need

  • Aroma rice cooker with inner pot
  • Measuring cup
  • Wild rice
  • Water or broth
  • Salt (optional)
  • Fork for fluffing

How To Cook Wild Rice In Aroma Rice Cooker

Follow these steps in order. The whole process takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish.

  1. Rinse the wild rice. Put the rice in a fine mesh strainer. Run cold water over it for 30 seconds. This removes dust and loose starch. Drain well.
  2. Add rice and water to the pot. Use the 1 to 3 ratio. For 1 cup of rice, add 3 cups of water. If you want softer rice, use 3 and a half cups.
  3. Add salt if desired. A half teaspoon of salt per cup of rice is a good starting point. You can also skip it and salt later.
  4. Close the lid and select the right setting. Press the “Brown Rice” or “Whole Grain” button. If your Aroma cooker has a “Multi-Grain” option, that works too. Do not use the “White Rice” setting unless you plan to run two cycles.
  5. Let the cycle run. A normal brown rice cycle on an Aroma cooker runs about 45 to 60 minutes. Do not open the lid during cooking. Steam is part of the process.
  6. Check the rice when the cycle ends. Open the lid and stir with a fork. The rice should be tender but still have a slight chew. If it is too firm, add half a cup of hot water and run a short cycle or the “Keep Warm” mode for 15 minutes.
  7. Rest before serving. Put the lid back on and let the rice sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This lets the remaining moisture even out.
  8. Fluff and serve. Use a fork to separate the grains. Serve hot.
See also  How Long Do I Cook Country Style Ribs In The Air Fryer - Air Fryer Ribs Cooking Time

Tips For Better Results

  • Soaking the rice overnight cuts cooking time by about 10 minutes. It also makes the rice more tender.
  • Use broth instead of water for more flavor. Chicken or vegetable broth both work well.
  • Do not stir the rice while it cooks. Stirring makes it sticky.
  • If your Aroma cooker has a steam basket, you can cook wild rice in the pot and vegetables in the basket at the same time.
  • Leftover wild rice keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of water.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Many people use the white rice setting and end up with hard, crunchy grains. Others use too little water. Wild rice needs more water than you think. Another common mistake is opening the lid too early. Each time you open it, you lose steam and add cooking time.

Some Aroma models run a bit hot. If your rice sticks to the bottom, add a thin layer of oil to the pot before adding the rice. A teaspoon of oil is enough.

Adjusting For Your Specific Aroma Model

Aroma makes many rice cookers. Basic models have one switch. Digital models have preset buttons. Here is a quick guide:

  • Basic on/off model: Add rice and water. Press the switch. When it pops to warm, check the rice. If it is not done, add water and press again.
  • Digital model with brown rice button: Use that button. It is designed for longer cook times.
  • Model with fuzzy logic: Select “Whole Grain” or “Wild Rice” if available. The cooker will adjust time on its own.
See also  How Long To Cook Frozen Salmon In Rice Cooker - For Steamed With Lemon Butter

How Long Does It Take

On average, wild rice in an Aroma rice cooker takes 50 to 70 minutes. Soaking the rice first can bring that down to 40 to 50 minutes. The keep warm mode adds no cooking time, but it can help soften rice that is still a bit firm.

Storing And Reheating

Cool leftover rice within one hour. Put it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will last up to 5 days. To reheat, add a tablespoon of water per cup of rice. Cover and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. You can also reheat it in the Aroma cooker on keep warm with a little water added.

Wild rice freezes well too. Portion it into freezer bags and press flat. It keeps for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Final Thoughts On Cooking Wild Rice In An Aroma Cooker

The main thing to remember is the ratio and the setting. Use 1 part rice to 3 parts water. Choose brown rice or whole grain mode. Let the machine do the work. With a little practice, you will get tender, nutty wild rice every time without watching a pot on the stove.