Homestyle Rice and Gravy

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 tablespoons (30g) butter 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
• 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (470ml) milk 2 cups (470ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 8g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. 2.
   In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
3. 3.
   Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
4. 4.
   Slowly pour in the milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. 5.
   Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. 6.
   Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and cook according to package instructions until tender and fluffy.
7. 7.
   Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a serving dish.
8. 8.
   Pour the hot gravy over the rice, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
9. 9.
   Serve the Homestyle Rice and Gravy hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — Rinse the rice well before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve a fluffy texture.
• Butter — Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Milk — Use whole milk for a creamier gravy.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add cooked and shredded chicken or beef to the gravy.
• If you prefer a thicker gravy, increase the amount of flour in the recipe.
• Customize the dish by adding your favorite herbs and spices to the gravy, such as paprika or rosemary.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to maintain its creamy consistency.

Serving advice

Serve the Homestyle Rice and Gravy as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. Garnish with chopped parsley or scallions for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, mold the rice into a round shape using a small bowl or ramekin before pouring the gravy over it. Drizzle a little extra gravy on top and garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs.