How to cook Basmati and Wild Rice

About Basmati and Wild Rice

Basmati’s magical aroma and delicate fluffy texture is the perfect companion for wild rice with it’s firmer texture and black tea notes, giving your favourite dishes a unique, wonderful nutty flavour. With these simple and easy to follow instructions, you’ll be able to cook it to perfection.

Source:

Basmati is grown in the Himalayan foothills and Wild Rice is grown in the USA, predominantly in the Great Lakes region of North America.

Characteristics:

• Shares the same characteristics as Easy Cook Basmati and Wild Rice.
• Gluten free.

Basmati vs Wild Rice

While they make a stunning duo in our Basmati & Wild Rice blend, basmati and wild rice are distinct grains that bring their own unique personalities to your kitchen.

Basmati is celebrated for its signature floral aroma and a light, fluffy texture that stays perfectly separate after cooking. In contrast, wild rice – which is actually the seed of a semi-aquatic grass – offers a much firmer, chewy bite and a complex, earthy flavour reminiscent of toasted nuts and black tea.

Beyond their contrast in taste, these grains complement each other beautifully from a nutritional perspective. basmati provides a light, easily digestible source of energy that is naturally gluten-free, while wild rice is often hailed as a “supergrain” due to its higher protein and fibre content, alongside a wealth of essential minerals. By blending the two, you get a sophisticated balance of textures and a rich nutritional profile that elevates everything from simple weekday pilaf to vibrant, festive salads.

To explore these grains individually, you can follow our expert tips on how to cook basmati rice for a delicate finish, or learn how to cook wild rice to achieve that perfect al dente texture.

How To Cook Basmati and Wild Rice

Cooking a blend of basmati and wild rice may seem a little daunting given their different origins, but achieving the perfect result is remarkably simple once you know the right techniques. Because these grains have different textures – one light and fluffy, the other firm and chewy – the goal is to use a method that respects both. While there are several ways to prepare this gourmet mix, including the quick-and-easy open pan method or using a microwave for speed, we find that the absorption method (or “covered pan”) is the gold standard. This technique allows the grains to gently steam in their own aroma, ensuring the basmati stays intact while the Wild Rice reaches that signature “pop” of tenderness.

Basmati and Wild Rice Water Ratio

The secret to a perfect pot of rice always lies in the ratio of water to grain. For a standard white basmati, you typically look for a 1.5:1 ratio, but our Basmati & Wild Rice blend requires a slightly more generous 2.5:1 ratio (for example, 300ml of water for every 120g of rice). This extra hydration is essential because wild rice is a more robust, “thirsty” grain that takes longer to soften than delicate basmati.

Cooking instructions for covered pan (or absorption) method: 

1. For 2 servings use 120g of Tilda Basmati and Wild Rice or 1 cup.
2. Wash the rice under cold water using a sieve or colander, or rinse in a pan until the water runs clear. This vital step prior to cooking removes any excess starch, giving you more separate grains, and bringing out the best of this gourmet blend.
3. Add the washed rice to a saucepan of water using a 2.5 to 1 water to rice ratio. The correct ratio is important to make sure the grains cook perfectly – not too dry or slightly soggy.
4. Stir, cover and cook the rice for 20 minutes over a low heat.
5. Remove from the heat, keep covered and leave to stand for 3 minutes. 
6. Fluff it up with a fork and serve.

Cooking instructions for open pan method:

1. For 2 servings use 120g of Tilda Basmati and Wild Rice or 1 cup.
2. Wash the rice under cold water using a sieve or colander, or rinse in a pan until the water runs clear. This vital step prior to cooking removes any excess starch, giving you more separate grains, and bringing out the best of this gourmet blend.
3. Add a minimum of 600ml of water with the washed rice to a saucepan and bring to the boil.
4. Stir and cook for 20 minutes over a medium heat, uncovered. 
5. Drain, cover and leave to stand for 3 minutes. 
6. Fluff it up with a fork and serve. 

Cooking Basmati and Wild Rice Top Tips:

• Rinse for Clarity: Always rinse your rice in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess surface starch, which is the key to ensuring your basmati stays light and fluffy rather than sticky, and it helps the dark colours of the wild rice stay vibrant.
• The Power of the Rest: Once the cooking time is up and the water is absorbed, resist the urge to stir immediately. Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for at least 3 to 5 minutes. This allows the moisture to redistribute evenly, ensuring the wild rice is tender all the way through.
• Infuse with Flavour: For an extra layer of taste, try replacing the cooking water with vegetable or chicken stock. You can also add a “bouquet garni” of herbs like thyme, a bay leaf, or even a few cardamom pods to the water to complement the natural nuttiness of the blend.
• Fluff, Don’t Mash: When you’re ready to serve, always use a fork to gently fluff the grains. Using a spoon can crush the delicate basmati grains, whereas a fork separates them while keeping the distinct texture of the wild rice intact.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This blend is incredibly resilient. If you have leftovers, it holds its shape beautifully in the fridge and makes an excellent base for cold grain salads the next day – just add a splash of lemon juice and some fresh herbs.

Tilda Basmati and Wild Rice

At Tilda, we are passionate about sourcing the finest grains to ensure every meal is a success. Our Basmati & Wild Rice blend is evidence of this, combining the legendary fragrance of Himalayan basmati with the bold, textured bite of premium wild rice. We take the guesswork out of the kitchen, giving you a gourmet result with zero hassle.

If you’re short on time but don’t want to compromise on quality, our Wholegrain Steamed Basmati & Wild Rice microwave pouches are the perfect alternative. Ready in just 2 minutes, these pouches are steamed to perfection and provide a quick, high-fibre base for your lunches or dinners.

Basmati and Wild Rice Recipes

This rice combination is incredibly versatile and a delicious addition to both warm and cold dishes. The nutty undertones of the wild rice and the floral notes of the basmati make it a dream pairing for earthy vegetables, citrus dressings, and roasted meats. You haven’t truly experienced this blend until you try it in these inspired combinations:

• Vibrant Salads: The firm texture of the grains makes this the ultimate base for a Basmati & Wild Sunshine Salad or a refreshing Salmon and Kale Salad.
• Roasted Delights: It works beautifully alongside tray-bakes. We highly recommend trying our Garlic, Coriander and White Pepper Roast Chicken for a twist on a classic.
• Wholesome Bowls: For a quick, nutrient-dense lunch, stir it into a Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup or use it as the foundation for a colourful Chicken Power Bowl.

Basmati and Wild Rice FAQs

What is the correct water ratio for cooking basmati and wild rice?

For the best results, use a ratio of 2.5 parts water to 1 part rice. For a standard 120g serving of Tilda Basmati & Wild Rice, we recommend using 300ml of water. This ensures there is enough liquid for the firmer wild rice to tenderise without making the basmati too soft.

Is basmati rice the same as wild rice?

No, they are quite different! Basmati is a long-grain aromatic rice grown in India. Wild rice is actually native to North America. We blend them because their contrasting textures and flavours create a delicious, gourmet balance.

Can you make a salad using basmati and wild rice?

Absolutely, this is actually one of the best ways to enjoy this blend. Because wild rice holds its shape and firm texture even when cold, it adds a wonderful “crunch” to salads. It pairs beautifully with citrus dressings, fresh herbs, and roasted vegetables.

Is basmati and wild rice easy to digest?

Yes, both grains are generally easy on the digestive system. Basmati is known for being light and gentle, while the wild rice in our blend adds beneficial dietary fibre, which supports healthy digestion.

How long does it take to cook basmati and wild rice?

When using our Basmati & Wild Rice blend, it takes approximately 20 minutes on a low heat using the covered pan method. If you are in a hurry, our steamed microwave pouches are ready in just 2 minutes.

Why does basmati and wild rice sometimes turn sticky, and how can you prevent it?

Stickiness is usually caused by excess starch on the surface of the grains. To prevent this, always rinse your rice in cold water before cooking until the water runs clear. Additionally, avoid over-stirring the rice while it cooks, as this can break the grains and release more starch.

More Top Tips:

Tilda Basmati and Wild Rice is the perfect companion to pilaffs, salads and a number of other home-cooked favourites.