Herbed Rice and Veggie White Gravy

Need a tasty dinner? Don’t settle for bland. This herbed rice with veggie white gravy is a perfect cozy meal when you want something quick, fragrant, and creamy. Ready in about 45 minutes, and tastes sooooo… comforting.

Dinner, sorted!

Ingredient list (serves 2):

a) For the Herbed Rice

• 1 cup basmati rice (about 200 g uncooked)

• 4 cups water

• 1 tbsp oil

• 1–2 bay leaves

• 4–5 peppercorns

• Salt, to taste

• 1 tbsp butter

• 2–3 garlic cloves, chopped

• ½ small onion, sliced

• Herbs: oregano, basil, parsley/coriander (½ tsp each, or fresh handfuls)

• Juice + zest of ½ lemon

b) For the Veggie White Gravy

• 200 g button mushrooms (8–10 medium), chopped

• 1 small onion, diced

• ½ cup bell pepper

• corn kernels

• 4–5 garlic cloves, chopped or smashed

• 2 tbsp butter (1 for sautéing, 1 for roux)

• 1 tbsp all‑purpose flour

• 500–550 ml milk (added in 3 batches)

• Salt + pepper, to taste

• ½ tsp oregano

• ½ tsp basil

• Optional: chili flakes for spice

Step 1: Herbed Rice

1. Wash 1 cup basmati rice.

2. In a vessel, add 4 cups water, 1 tbsp oil, 1 bay leaf, 4–5 peppercorns, and salt. Bring to boil.

3. Add rice, stir, and cook until soft (test by pressing one grain).

4. Drain the water

5. In a separate pan, sauté 1 tbsp butter, 2–3 chopped garlic cloves, and ½ onion slices until golden.

6. Toss in herbs (oregano, basil, parsley)

7. Add the cooked rice and mix well.

8. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and zest.

Step 2: Veggie White gravy

1. Wash and chop 200 g button mushrooms.

2. Dice 1 small onion, add ½ cup bell pepper, corn kernel

3. Smash and chop 4–5 garlic cloves.

4. In a pan, melt 1 tbsp butter, sauté garlic, then add mushrooms, onion, and bell pepper. Season with salt. Cook until mushrooms release water and softens veggies.

5. Season with oregano, basil, and chili flakes if you like spice.

6. Remove and set aside.

7. In the same pan, melt 1 tbsp butter, add 1 tbsp flour, and stir until nutty aroma develops.

8. Gradually add milk: first 150 ml, stir until thick; then 200 ml, stir until thick; then another 200 ml. Sauce should be creamy, not runny.

9. Add back the veggies.

Plate the herbed rice, pour over the mushroom gravy (or serve on side like civilized people "wink"), and garnish with fresh herbs.

You’re nourished, comforted, and ready to slow down the evening.

Quote of the day

© 2025. All rights reserved.