Wild Rice, Arugula, Grapefruit, and Toasted Pecans

• From: USA Rice Federation

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice

• 8 cups water or stock

• 2 tsp salt

• 1 cup pecan halves

• 1 Tbs canola oil

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 cups grapefruit juice reduced to 1/4 cup

• 1 Tbs white wine vinegar

• 1/2 tsp salt, kosher if possible

• 2 Tbs diced shallots

• 1/2 cup canola oil

• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

• 1 bag baby arugula

• 3 large grapefruit

Grapefruit in this green salad adds a surprisingly delicious and delicate edge to this pleasing combination of flavors.

Directions

• Place the water, wild rice and salt in a medium pot and bring to a simmer for 30-45 minutes or until the wild rice starts to split open and soften. (Do not cook until completely open). Strain off the excess water, place in a bowl and cover with cling film to cool.
• Slowly reduce the grapefruit juice to 1/4 cup over a low flame. Transfer to a small mixing bowl and add the vinegar, salt and shallot, let steep for 15 minutes. Add the canola oil in a slow steady stream while whisking constantly to emulsify. Add the pepper.
• Wash the arugula in cold water, gently swishing to loosen any grit, let set for 5 minutes to allow any dirt to settle to the bottom and gently lift the arugula from the top and dry in a salad spinner. Set aside.
• Toss the pecans with the canola oil and salt, spread out on a parchment paper lined sheet pan and bake in a 350-degree oven for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant. While the pecans are toasting, set your serving plates in the refrigerator to chill.
• Peel the grapefruit and remove each segment.
• Toss the wild rice, grapefruit, and pecans with a few tablespoons of the vinaigrette. Arugula bruises very easily so gently toss the arugula in another bowl with the remaining vinaigrette.
• Gently mix the contents of the 2 bowls together and divide amongst the chilled plates.