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The Minnesota Wild Rice Council awarded two recipes with a grand prize and people’s choice award.

October 13, 2020

3 Min Read
Thai Wild Rice Coconut Chicken Soup
GRAND PRIZE: Judges for the Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council’s recipe contest awarded the grand prize to Nancy Judd of Alpine, Utah, for her Thai Wild Rice Coconut Chicken Soup.Courtesy of Minnesota Cultivate Wild Rice Council

Demonstrating the versatility of wild rice, a Thai-infused chicken soup and a citrusy twist on fresh-roasted asparagus were named winners in the 2020 Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council’s “Get Wild with Wild Rice Recipe Contest.”

Contestants from Utah and Wisconsin took home the cash awards in this year’s contest. Nancy Judd of Alpine, Utah, won the grand prize with her flavorful Thai wild rice coconut chicken soup. Barb Estabrook of Appleton, Wis., won the coveted People’s Choice Award with her fresh and light wild rice ‘n roasted asparagus.

The Get Wild with Wild Rice Recipe Contest attracts participants from all corners of the country — from Washington to Florida and from Minnesota to Texas. Recipes submitted ran the gamut from the traditional to the creative, and to the downright bizarre in the categories of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and sides, demonstrating both taste and functionality of wild rice.

Recipes went head-to-head in a taste test conducted by culinary specialists who narrowed the field to 12 finalists competing for two awards. The grand prize was awarded by a panel of judges headed by Minnesota chef Ken Goff. The People’s Choice Award was given to the finalist garnering the most online votes during September’s National Rice Month.

Each finalist received a “wild” prize pack and was recognized in the Council’s 2020-2021 recipe brochure. All contest finalists were featured on the council’s website for a public vote to determine the People’s Choice Award.

Goff led a panel of judges charged with the difficult task of selecting which recipe which would take home the grand prize. Relying on his more than three decades-worth of culinary experience and training, Goff and the judges ultimately chose Thai wild rice coconut chicken soup as the grand prize winner. Goff noted the soup stood out for its Asian-inspired flavor and ease of preparation. It also can be gluten-free.

Check out the recipes online at:

Thai wild rice coconut chicken soup. With its delicious combination of ingredients, Thai Wild Rice Coconut Chicken Soup marries wild rice with mushrooms, ginger, red curry paste, rotisserie chicken, baby spinach, peanuts, and lime juice for an explosion of Thai flavor – perfect as an appetizer or hearty meal.

Wild rice 'n roasted asparagus. This dish blends wild rice with fresh asparagus, crispy bacon, shallot, thyme, and a splash of fresh-roasted lemon for a savory blend of smoky flavors. It’s the perfect side to any meal — diverse enough for those special occasions, but easy enough to prepare anytime.

Wild Rice ‘N Roasted Asparagus
PEOPLE’S CHOICE: Online voters chose the recipe, Wild Rice ‘N Roasted Asparagus, submitted by Barb Estabrook of Appleton, Wis., to receive the People’s Choice Award.

The council’s latest recipe brochure, “Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Recipes and Answers to Often Asked Questions,” features contest winning recipes and other wild rice favorites, including soups, appetizers, salads, entrées, and side dishes. To receive your free copy, send a self-addressed-stamped-envelope to: Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council, Newest Recipes, 4630 Churchill St #1, St. Paul, MN 55126.

Source: The Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all of its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

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