Creamy Rice with Meatballs and Sausage
Ingredients:
1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice for fragrance)
2 tbsp butter
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the meatballs and sausage)
1/2 lb (225g) Italian sausage, casing removed
1/2 lb (225g) ground beef (for meatballs)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for meatballs)
1 egg (for binding the meatballs)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 lime, cut into wedges
Rustic bread, for serving
Extra parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides, cooking for about 8-10 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Sausage:
In the same skillet, crumble and cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Set aside with the meatballs.
Cook the Rice:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat in the butter and onions. Let the rice cook for 1-2 minutes before adding the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Make the Creamy Rice:
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the rice becomes creamy and smooth. If it’s too thick, you can add a little extra chicken broth or cream.
Stir in the diced tomatoes and red bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
Combine:
Gently fold the cooked meatballs and sausage into the creamy rice mixture. Stir until everything is well-combined and heated through.
Garnish and Serve:
Spoon the creamy rice with meatballs and sausage into bowls. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant green touch.
Serve with a lime wedge on the side for a fresh, zesty kick.
Accompany the dish with slices of rustic bread on the side.
Presentation:
Serve the dish in a white bowl with scalloped edges for a rustic yet elegant look. Set it on a beige tablecloth, and the warm, creamy dish will really stand out against the neutral tones.
This creamy rice dish combines the savory richness of meatballs and sausage with the freshness of parsley, red bell peppers, and a zesty lime, making it the perfect comfort food. The textures and flavors are balanced beautifully, offering a vibrant and hearty meal with a warm, rustic presentation. Enjoy!