Basil Fried Rice

This is one of my absolute favorite meals. I could eat it every week and I’m sure I would never tire of it! Years ago I was at a Thai restaurant with a couple of friends for “girls night out” (which entails dinner and craft store sale… we are party animals, what can I say?!”
One friend had been before and ordered this for us to try and I. WAS. HOOKED. That Thai restaurant quickly became my husband and mine’s favorite date spot. But date nights are too few and far between (especially since COVID) and I had to make it for us at home so we could enjoy it more!
It took some experimenting but I finally did it! This is such a quick meal as well and so easy to adapt to your families preferences. I use my favorite red pepper powder (found here online) for the heat but if you like it hotter you could add some Thai chilis. Sometimes I serve it with stir fried beef, chicken, or shrimp as well. Either stirred in or on the side.
Jasmine rice is really important for this dish, it adds a very subtle flavor but when I tried it with other rice it just wasn’t right. I have used brown jasmine rice with good results as well. A trick for fried rice is when you make rice for a meal just make extra and freeze some in an airtight bag.
It makes for a super quick meal to pull out and make fried rice!

(Not So) Dirty Rice, and a GIVEAWAY!

CSN Stores has given me a $25 Gift Certificate to give to a lucky reader! Seriousely, if you can’t find something to buy over there, you never will!  They have over 200 online stores where you can find everything from cookware to cribs to dining room sets and dog beds.
To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment by midnight Wednesday August 18th. Winner will be announced on Friday morning. Just be sure to leave me your email address so I have a way to get it to you. Good luck! Now, on to the recipe!
 
This picture doesn’t do this rice dish justice. We really love it. I had wanted to try making dirty rice, but it usually contains ingredients I don’t usually use, so I made my own recipe up omiting them.. hence “Not So Dirty Rice”. I took some of the ideas from a few recipes and played around with it for a bit to get it just how we like it now. And if you like it spicier, you could add some chopped peppers as well.
 
(NOT SO) DIRTY RICE
Recipe by My Stained Apron
 
2 cups long grain white rice, cooked in chicken stock instead of water
(I use a rice cooker-use your favorite method)
1 cup chicken stock
1 T oil
1 pound Italian Sausage, mild or hot, we prefer mild
3 cloves minced garlic
1 large onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
2 T dried parsley or 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste
Dash Worcestershire sauce
 
In a large skillet, heat the oil and add the sausage.
Brown well, then add the garlic, onion, celery, and onion.  Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 
Add chicken stock and Worcestershire, stir in and cook for a couple minutes.
Add the parsley and season with salt and pepper.
 
 

Roasted Garlic Rice

I keep a stash of roasted garlic in my freezer, for this dish alone.  I use it for other things too, but I MUST have it on hand to throw this dish together.  It’s one of the first dishes I made for my husband when we were newlywed’s that he adored.    It remains a big favorite of his (and everyone else who has every had it).  It goes really well with so many things, and is so quick and easy. I hope you love it too!
 
ROASTED GARLIC RICE
Recipe by My Stained Apron
 
4 cups cooked rice, cooked in chicken broth instead of water
1/4 cup roasted garlic, mashed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
 

Cook rice as desired (I usually use my rice cooker) just use chicken broth in place of water.

When cooked, mix everything together, serve warm.

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