Gourmet Burgers

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup cooked wild rice
1/4 tsp salt

In large bowl, combine ingredients well. Shape into 5 patties; broil, grill or panfry.

5 servings.

VARIATIONS: Add chopped onion, shredded cheese, parsley, basil, garlic or seasoned salt. Can be used for meatballs or meatloaf. For convenience, double or triple the recipe and freeze extra patties.

In 1967, Jim Petrowske made a decision to join his good friends Frank Kosbau and Velmer Halama in their adventure of attempting to grow wild rice in cultivated paddies in northern Minnesota. Jim built his first paddy that year, beginning his journey in the cultivated wild rice business.

Jim’s son Kelly began farming with his father the following year and formed the partnership known as K & D Wild Rice. Kelly continues the management of the operation today. Through his efforts, Kelly has made valuable contributions to the cultivated wild rice industry in Minnesota. In particular, he was instrumental in the development of the wild rice variety which bears his name, Petrowske Bottlebrush, selecting individual plants for shattering resistance.

In the decades since the Petrowske’s began their long journey in growing wild rice, their story has taken many twists and turns and has had its share of failures and successes. But through it all the Petrowske’s have persevered and thrived and continue to produce wild rice to this day.

Recipe compliments of the Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council