Herb Fried Rice

     We all know that brown rice is healthier than white rice.  It contains more fiber, less processed, and contains more nutrients (such as zinc, magnesium, manganese, and vitamin E).  In order to integrate it into my household I actually mix white rice with the brown rice in my rice maker.  I started out with a 2:1 ratio of white rice to brown rice, then a 1:1 ratio, and now I'm at a 1:2 ratio of white rice to brown rice.  Soon we will probably just be eating organic brown rice, but I intend to use up all my white rice first!  This can help with kids or any picky eaters in the house:)  

     Here is my recipe for my herb fried rice.  I have an organic vegetable garden and my basil plant exploded so I had all of these huge, beautiful basil leaves to use.  That was my inspiration!

Ingredients:

(Use organic ingredients if possible)

Cooked Brown rice (or white rice or a combination)

Fresh basil leaves

Fresh chives

Green onions

Grape seed oil

Granulated garlic

Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1.)  Cook the rice (I use a rice maker...makes it very easy!).

2.)  Chop up herbs and onions. 

3.) Heat large skillet with grape seed oil in the bottom.  Put a liberal amount (I make sure the entire bottom of the skillet is covered...you don't want dry or burnt rice!).  Sprinkle granulated garlic in the oil and fry until it turns light brown and become aromatic.  Don't let it burn!

4.)  Pour rice into skillet and move it around with wooden spoon.  Make sure all the rice is covered with the oil and garlic mixture.  Add onions and chives.  Continue to stir.

5.)  Add salt and pepper to taste.  At this point I taste the rice and see if I may want to add more garlic too.  After you get your flavors right add the chopped basil leaves, turn off heat, and stir one more time.  Enjoy!

6.)  You can try this recipe with different herbs.  Sometimes I just use onions, garlic, and ginger.  This makes a very yummy, Asian-inspired dish!