Southern Rice with Bacon Flavored Gravy
Indulge in the comfort of Southern cooking with this recipe for Southern Rice with Bacon Flavored Gravy, a hearty and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Tender long-grain rice serves as the base for a rich, creamy gravy infused with the smoky essence of crispy bacon and a touch of garlic. The secret to this savory delight lies in a golden roux crafted from bacon drippings, butter, and a hint of spice, ensuring every bite is a taste of pure indulgence. Quick to prepare with accessible ingredients like flour, whole milk, and pantry staples, this dish is elevated by optional green onion garnish for a burst of freshness. Serve it as a side or a satisfying main, and watch it become a family favorite. Perfect for lovers of Southern comfort food, this recipe is sure to satisfy cravings for a classic, home-cooked meal with a modern twist!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 slices bacon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons, chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 2 cups of water, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork.
While the rice is cooking, prepare the bacon-flavored gravy. Start by frying 4 slices of bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to cool. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet and discard the rest.
Chop the cooled bacon into small pieces and set aside.
In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and allow it to melt over medium heat.
Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to form a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty.
Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Stir in the chopped bacon, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
To serve, spoon the rice onto plates or bowls and generously ladle the bacon-flavored gravy over the top. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
985 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.7 g | 66% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.1 g | 136% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 152 mg | 51% | |
| Sodium | 3108 mg | 135% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 95.5 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.0 g | ||
| Protein | 34.9 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.5 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 689 mg | 53% | |
| Iron | 4.4 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 1096 mg | 23% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
