1small carrot, peeled and thinly sliced ¼ inch slices
2ozgarlic scapes, thinly sliced
1bunch scallions, thinly sliced, tops and bottoms trimmed
1large clove garlicgrated or minced
10ozchanterellespreferably smaller buttons
4ozthinly sliced or diced baconoptional
4tablespoonsunsalted butter or oiluse butter if you’ll serve it hot or warm, oil if you’ll serve it as a salad
2oz¼ cup lightly toasted black walnuts, optional
Wild Rice
1cupnatural wild rice
2cupschicken stock or water
Generous handful of roughly shredded herbssuch as oregano, basil, thyme, dill, mint, tarragon, chives, or a combination of whatever you have, to taste
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
Serving
Dill flowers, optional
Instructions
Rice
Combine the wild rice, ½ teaspoon salt (skip the salt if you use stock that’s seasoned) water or stock and bring to a simmer.
Cover the pan and cook on low for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been completely absorbed. Allow the rice to rest while you’re preparing the rest of the ingredients.
Chanterelles and Vegetables
Clean the chanterelles by swishing in water quickly if needed. Large mushrooms should be cut in half. Small buttons that haven’t opened their caps should be left whole.
Render the fat from the bacon if using slowly on medium-high heat in a large 10-12 inch cast iron skillet.
When the fat has released, add the chanterelles, turning the heat to medium and cooking until their liquid has released and the mushrooms have begun to take on some color. If the pan threatens to get dry, add a splash of stock or water.
Add half the butter or oil, vegetables (except the scallions) and garlic, season with a generous pinch of salt, turn the heat to medium-low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Add the rice and the nuts, remaining butter or oil, stir and heat through. Double check the seasoning and adjust until it tastes good to you. It should be lightly dressed with fat, herby, and well seasoned. Serve garnished with a few dill flowers, if using.
The rice will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge.
To serve the dish as a cold or room temperature salad
Season the dish with a little extra oil and salt as chilling mutes flavors. I like to pack it into deli containers and bring it in a cooler for a quick, filling meal in the field. Before serving I might add lemon juice or vinegar, and more fresh herbs.