It depends on where you live. How far east of the Rockies do you have to go before the dish morphs from Casserole to Hot Dish?
My family and I lived for 15 years in a small town along the Mississippi River where it was definitely called Hot Dish.
One of my favorite dishes from our time in Red Wing was anything with WILD RICE! MMM MMM!
Our bread/roll/cake-loving adult daughter has recently been strongly encouraged by her doctor to cut gluten out of her diet. Her first question for me was, “What can I eat?” I reminded her that vegetables and fruits are gluten free. Meat is gluten free. Fish is gluten free. “And we will find more foods that you love that are gluten free!”
Tonight, my husband and I are making dinner for my mom, brother, sister, her husband, their daughter, our daughter, son-in-law and us. And, we are planning for it all to be gluten free.
The menu is Turkey, Minnesota Wild Rice Hot Dish, Cranberry Sauce, Salad, and Brown Sugar Sweet Potatoes.
In case you would ever like to make this yummy wild rice casserole, here is the recipe:
Minnesota Wild Rice and Mushroom Hot Dish
- 1 1/2 cups Wild Rice
- 4-5 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 stick Butter
- 1 medium Onion
- 3-4 whole Carrots
- 4-5 stalks Celery
- 1 container Mushrooms (Button, or whatever you prefer)
- 1/2-1 tsp Sage
- 1/2-1 tsp Marjoram
- 1/2-1 tsp Oregano
- 1/2-1 tsp Salt
- 1/8-1/4 tsp Pepper (or to taste)
- 3-4 strands Saffron (optional)
In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil, add rice, and simmer with lid on for 90 mins. Let sit 10 mins and fluff with a fork. May need to boil more or less depending on amount of rice and whether the rice has “popped open.”
While rice is simmering, saute onion, carrots, celery, and seasonings in one stick of butter until translucent. Then add chopped mushrooms (save out enough slices to place on top) and cook until tender but firm.
Mix rice, vegetables and mushrooms together in casserole dish. Top with sliced mushrooms. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup chicken stock or water. Sprinkle with crushed saffron. (Casserole/Hot Dish is best if placed in the refrigerator overnight, but can bake immediately.)
Bake in oven on 350 degrees about an hour. May let sit in warm oven several hours. Rice should be tender.
Serve with turkey or chicken. Delicious with cherry or cranberry sauce.
If you make this recipe, let me know how it turns out!!
ChatterLei 
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