This is one of those rather non-descript side dish recipes that is good for you, but doesn’t necessarily taste like its’ good for you. You know, the kind that has nutritional value, not too much fat or salt, but is flavorful non-the-less. And I know. This is not the kind or recipe that you fall madly in love with and immediately after dinner call your best friend to tell him or her all about it. Not going to happen. But seriously, there is a need for this kind of dish in every good cooks’ repertoire. Allow me to elucidate.

Most of the time, when meat is the star of the show, and it is gussied up with the like of sauce or gravy, it requires a side that tastes and looks good, but doesn’t get in the way of the ooh/ahh that the meat wants so desperately to receive. (Kind of like the VP of the United States. He/she needs to be there to help the President, but God help him or her if they outshine the true leader/star of the show!)

But in the defense of this lowly dish, it really is tasty on its own. And the best part – it bakes in the oven which frees you up to pander to the needs of the star/meat. How terrific is that?

What I also love about this dish – the grains of rice don’t stick together. They just fluff up beautifully after the dish is out of the oven.

So when you have occasions which require a side dish/starch that can stand up for itself, but not be so presumptuous as to want to be the star, this is the dish for you. Easy, uncomplicated, tasty, nutritious, and unassuming. In other words – perfect in every respect! 

• 1 tsp. unsalted butter
• 1 T. extra virgin olive oil
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 1 lg. clove garlic, finely minced
• 1 tsp. salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• ¾ tsp. dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 c. long grain brown rice
• 2 c. chicken stock or water
• 1½ c. water

In the bottom of a heavy, covered, oven proof pan, melt the butter and oil together over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf and cook for an additional minute. Add rice, stir well to combine, and fry for 2 minutes. Add the chicken stock and water; bring to a boil. Stir the rice, cover, and place in the middle of the oven. Bake for 40 minutes in a pre-heated 375 degree oven. Remove from oven, let sit covered for 10 minutes. Remove bay leaf and discard. Fluff with a fork and serve.