Toated Rice Dressing

Toasted Rice Dressing Recipe | Brown Rice, Sausage, Mushrooms & More

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Toasted Rice Dressing is a delicious and savory side dish that is perfect for serving alongside your favorite roast. This recipe combines the nutty flavor of toasted brown rice with the richness of breakfast sausage, mushrooms, and walnuts. The addition of coconut adds a unique twist to this classic dish.

History

Toasted Rice Dressing is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a popular side dish in many Southern households, especially during the holiday season. The combination of ingredients in this recipe creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to please a crowd.

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked brown rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp salt
8 oz (227 g) breakfast sausage links
0.5 cup chopped onion
1 can (4 oz or 113 g) sliced mushrooms, drained
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 cup chopped walnuts
0.25 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
dash of ground black pepper
0.5 cup toasted flaked coconut

How to prepare

Spread the rice in a shallow baking pan.
Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Stir the rice often to ensure even browning.
In a 2- to 3 qt (2.84 liter) saucepan, combine the broth, salt, and toasted rice.
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring once or twice.
Reduce the heat, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 45 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Place the sausage in a skillet and cook until it is done.
Remove the sausage from the pan and drain it on absorbent paper.
Cut the sausage into 0.5 inch pieces.
Pour off the excess fat from the skillet, leaving 2 tbsp.
Add the onion, mushrooms, and parsley to the skillet.
Cook until the onion is tender.
Toss the cooked rice, sausage, walnuts, nutmeg, and pepper together lightly.
If the dressing seems a little dry, add an additional 0.25 cup of chicken broth.
This dressing does not require any extra cooking and is ready to serve with your favorite roast.

Variations

Substitute the breakfast sausage with ground pork or turkey for a lighter option.
Add dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
Use different nuts such as pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to stir the rice often while toasting to ensure even browning.

- If the dressing seems dry, you can add a little extra chicken broth to moisten it up.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Toasted Rice Dressing is best served alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or pork. It pairs well with cranberry sauce, green beans, and mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the rice before cooking adds a nutty flavor and helps to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

- Cooking the sausage separately ensures that it is fully cooked and adds a delicious savory element to the dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use white rice or wild rice instead of brown rice for a different texture.

- Substitute the coconut with breadcrumbs for a more traditional dressing.

Make Ahead Tips

Toasted Rice Dressing can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Toasted Rice Dressing in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh parsley or toasted coconut for a beautiful presentation. You can also sprinkle some extra walnuts on top for added crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a variety of meats such as roasted chicken, turkey, or pork. It also goes well with a side of cranberry sauce, green beans, and mashed potatoes for a classic holiday meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

280

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 25g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 15g

- Saturated Fat: 4g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 10g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 2%

- Vitamin C: 4%

- Calcium: 4%

- Iron: 8%

Alergens

Contains nuts (walnuts)

- Contains dairy (breakfast sausage)

Summary

Toasted Rice Dressing is a balanced dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your meal.

Summary

Toasted Rice Dressing is a flavorful and satisfying side dish that is perfect for serving alongside your favorite roast. With a combination of toasted brown rice, breakfast sausage, mushrooms, and walnuts, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

, I was just a young girl living in the countryside with my family. My mother had been given the recipe by a dear friend of hers, who had learned it from her own grandmother. It was a special dish that was only made on special occasions, and I remember being in awe of the process as I watched my mother cook it for the first time.

The recipe for Toasted Rice Dressing was unlike anything I had ever seen before. It involved toasting rice in a skillet until it turned a beautiful golden brown color, then cooking it with broth, vegetables, and herbs until it was rich and flavorful. The end result was a dish that was both hearty and comforting, perfect for serving alongside a roast or turkey.

I remember asking my mother why it was called Toasted Rice Dressing, and she explained that the toasting of the rice gave it a nutty flavor that added a depth to the dish that was unlike anything else. She told me that it was a traditional recipe from the South, passed down through generations, and that it was important to cook it with care and attention to detail.

As I grew older, I began to help my mother in the kitchen, learning the recipe for Toasted Rice Dressing bit by bit. I watched as she measured out the ingredients with precision, stirring the rice slowly as it toasted in the skillet. I chopped the vegetables and herbs, adding them to the pot as the rice cooked, filling the kitchen with the most incredible aroma.

Over the years, I became more and more confident in my ability to make Toasted Rice Dressing on my own. I would cook it for my family on holidays and special occasions, always receiving compliments on how delicious it was. It became a staple dish in our household, a comforting reminder of the traditions and recipes that had been passed down through the generations.

As I grew older and had children of my own, I made sure to pass the recipe for Toasted Rice Dressing down to them as well. I wanted them to know the joy of cooking a dish that had been a part of our family for so long, to experience the satisfaction of creating something delicious and meaningful from scratch.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on the memories of learning to make Toasted Rice Dressing, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the traditions and recipes that have been passed down to me. I am thankful for the time spent in the kitchen with my mother, learning the secrets of this special dish and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

And as I cook Toasted Rice Dressing for my family today, I can't help but think of all the generations before me who have cooked this dish with love and care. It is a recipe that has stood the test of time, a reminder of the bond that food can create between family and friends.

So, as I take a bite of the rich and flavorful Toasted Rice Dressing that I have just made, I am reminded of the love and tradition that have gone into every pot that has been cooked before me. And I am grateful for the opportunity to carry on this legacy, passing down the recipe for Toasted Rice Dressing to the next generation, so that they too may experience the joy of cooking a dish that is steeped in history and tradition.