Any mushrooms will work for this dish – it’s nice to mix them up and use a variety, but go with what you have or what’s in season. It’s a very simple dish that’s full of flavour, quick to make, without compromising. You can use whichever rice you like, making the most of what’s in your cupboard.
SERVES 4 side-by or 2 mains
1–2 tbsp coconut oil
5–6 cloves of garlic, crushed or finely chopped
approx. 250g dry rice choice (brown/white, red/black, wild etc.
1 Lemon, juice, and zest
Cut 2 medium onions into small wedges
approx. Approx.
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
approx. 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
Add a few dried chilli flakes to taste
Salt and pepper
- Put ½-1 tbsp of coconut oil into a saucepan over a low heat. Stir in the garlic. Fry for about a minute, making sure to stir frequently. Lightly dry fry your rice.
- Add about 1–1.5 litres of water to the pan (you may need more depending on the type of rice you are using), along with a large pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to boil. Reduce heat to low and then cover. The cooking time may vary depending on the rice. Longer for black, red, brown. Ideally keep the rice covered until cooked, about 12–15 minutes for white, about 30 minutes for brown and 35–40 for red or black. There should be very little water remaining once the rice is cooked. Let the rice cool on the stove for about 5 minutes. Then add the lemon juice and fluff the rice with a spoon.
- Heat 1 tablespoon coconut oil in large pans or woks while the rice cooks. Add the onion wedges and sauté for a couple of minutes, until fragrant and browned. Add the mushrooms plus a dash of water and sauté for a few minutes. Season the dish with balsamic vinegar and thyme, then season it with salt and pepper. Continue
- to cook, allowing the liquid to reduce and the onions and mushrooms to begin to soften and caramelize, about 12–15 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the rice onto a plate and top with the mushrooms. Enjoy with any garnish you like chilli flakes or thyme.