OK, I usually provide you with new and brilliant recipes with which to tantalize your own taste buds or those of your family and friends. This is not one of those recipes. This is a pedestrian recipe for those of you who need a side dish that is quick and easy to prepare. But don’t get me wrong. Brown basmati rice prepared this way is very tasty. It’s just not destined to be the star of the show. That dubious honor should go (for example) to a perfectly cooked piece of chicken or slices of pork tenderloin served with a lovely creamy sauce, or a firm but flaky piece of halibut served with a delightful aioli.

In theatrical and literary terms, this recipe represents the deuteragonist (secondary character) who still plays a big part in the story but supports the protagonist (main character). But then, we still need a supporting character, because half of your dinner plate should be filled with a non-starchy veggie, such as leafy greens, broccoli, or green beans. Of course, nutritionists would have us throw a bit of fruit onto our dinner plates too. But frankly, that just doesn’t happen at Chez Carr. We eat fruit with breakfast almost every day. But almost never at dinner. But I digress…

Anyway, by now you’ve surely gotten the gist of what needs to be said about this recipe. Rice prepared this way makes for a lovely side dish. But a side dish it shall ever remain.

Well, that’s it for now. We have been sequestered at home now for a week due to illness. But we are both beginning to see that the end of our confinement is in sight. But I have to say, it hasn’t been too bad. We got kind of used to staying home during the pandemic. And it has given Mr. C. plenty of time to play the piano and read. And for me to spend a good deal of my day with a book. When I could force myself to break away from researching new recipes, that is! So, all in all, not something I wish to experience again. But as prisons go, our home is perfectly set up for required captivity.

So, stay healthy everyone. And as always, peace and love to all.

1 c. brown basmati rice, washed and drained

2 c. chicken, beef, or veggie stock

½ tsp. granulated garlic

½ tsp. granulated onion

½ tsp. paprika

¼ tsp. dried thyme

2 tsp. fresh or dried parsley

½ tsp. kosher salt

freshly ground black pepper

2 T. unsalted butter

Place all the ingredients except the butter in your rice cooker using the brown rice option. When the rice is done, stir in the butter.