It’s been a bit of a cold summer in many parts of the Great Lakes Region, but here’s a couple summer recipes great for beating and/or enjoying the heat.
Wild Rice and Hominy Corn Salad
This recipe is really easy & so tasty, not to mention quite healthy, especially if you use olive oil for the dressing. All you have to do is mix the ingredients, except for the fresh greens that may be placed as a bed under the salad and serve.
Fresh Vinaigrette Dressing
Like the wild rice and hominy corn salad, this is a really easy recipe. The hardest thing is mincing the garlic and herbs. Try to get the garlic as small as possible. It can help to lightly smash it into the olive oil before mixing in the rest of the ingredients. This recipe can also be used with any type of fresh salad.
Blueberry and Peach Salsa
Blueberries have and continue to be a major food source for Great Lakes Region Indian communities in the summer; peaches don’t have the history or tradition but grow especially well in the Tribal regions on the eastern side of Lake Michigan. This recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the bounties of mid to late-summer.
Another simple recipe. Simply mix the ingredients and serve with your favorite tortilla chips.
Wild Rice Hamburgers
Want to lighten up those burgers while helping to keep them moist and delicious? If so, definitely give this recipe a shot. Some restaurants use a very similar version to help meat like ground duck stick together while cooking. The wild rice’s flavor and texture adds a subtle yet unique character.
Thoroughly mix the wild rice, ground beef, and optional ingredients, if desired, in a large bowl until the texture is consistent. Form into patties and grill or cook and then serve like a standard hamburger.