Creamy rice

Ingredients

• ½ cup (120 ml)smoked chicken sausage, diced
• 1 smallonion, chopped
• 1 largetomato, deseeded and cut into small cubes
• 4basil leaves
• 2 cups (480 ml)cooked white rice
• 3 tbsp (45 ml)spring onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp (30 ml)grated Parmesan
• 1 cartoncream

Instructions

1. 1

   Brown the sausage

   Heat a pan, add the diced sausage and cook, stirring constantly, until golden.

2. 2

   Soften the onion

   Add the onion and cook until softened.

3. 3

   Cook the tomato

   Add the tomato and basil, then cook for about 3 minutes, keeping the tomato from breaking down.

4. 4

   Mix and serve

   Add the rice, spring onion, Parmesan and cream. Stir well and serve straight away.

What is creamy rice?

This is a simple rice dish in which cooked white rice is stirred into a creamy, savoury mixture with sausage, tomato and cheese. Its Italian and local influences come together in a homely pan-cooked meal.

The recipe works quickly because the rice is already cooked. The tomato is only briefly softened, so it keeps some shape alongside the creamy sauce.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 292 calories, 7g protein, 29g carbs, 18g fat.

The rice supplies most of the carbohydrates, while the cream and sausage contribute much of the fat; the sausage and Parmesan also provide some protein. Serve it with a generous portion of salad or vegetables for a more balanced plate.

The key ingredients

Smoked sausage: browning it first builds savoury flavour in the pan. Keep stirring so the pieces colour evenly.

Cooked rice: use rice that is cooked through and ready to stir in. This keeps the method short and helps the grains absorb the cream without needing a long simmer.

Cream and Parmesan: these make the rice rich and savoury. Stir them in at the end so they coat the rice evenly.

Keep the tomato intact

Tomato and basil: cook them together for about 3 minutes, as directed, but avoid mashing or stirring too vigorously. The tomato should soften while still holding its shape.

Once the rice goes in, fold the mixture together gently. This helps keep the grains and tomato pieces distinct.

Getting the texture right

Creamy finish: stir thoroughly after adding the cream and Parmesan so the sauce reaches all the rice. Serve promptly, while the mixture is still loose and warm.

If the rice seems very firm, separate any clumps gently as you mix. Avoid prolonged cooking, which can make the rice overly soft.

Timing and serving

The method gives a specific cooking time only for the tomato: about 3 minutes. The sausage and onion are cooked by visual cues, until the sausage is golden and the onion has softened.

Serve as soon as everything is mixed. A crisp green salad or simply dressed vegetables make a fresh contrast to the creamy rice.

Recipe notes & tips

• Dice the sausage evenly so the pieces brown at a similar rate.
• Keep stirring the sausage while it browns, as the method specifies.
• Deseed the tomato and cut it into small cubes before cooking.
• Have the cooked rice and other additions ready before you start assembling the dish.
• Fold the rice through the sauce gently to keep the tomato pieces intact.
• Serve straight after mixing for the creamiest texture.

Variations

• Add peas: stir in cooked peas with the rice for extra colour.
• Use fresh herbs: add a little extra chopped basil just before serving.
• Try another cheese: replace the Parmesan with another finely grated hard cheese.
• Add vegetables: fold in cooked mushrooms or courgette with the rice.
• Make it meat-free: omit the sausage and brown sliced mushrooms in its place.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving the sausage unstirred: it may colour unevenly; keep it moving until golden.
• Overcooking the tomato: it can lose its shape; limit this stage to about 3 minutes.
• Adding uncooked rice: this method uses cooked rice; cook it separately before starting.
• Mixing too roughly: the tomato can break down; fold the ingredients together gently.
• Cooking for too long after adding cream: the rice may become too soft; mix well and serve promptly.

How to store

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and use within 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until piping hot, adding a small splash of water or milk if the rice has thickened.

Frequently asked questions