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!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Chop the cooled bacon into small pieces and set aside.

Step 6

In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and allow it to melt over medium heat.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Stir in the chopped bacon, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 10

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

Serving size	(1266.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	985.2

Total Fat 51.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.5g
Cholesterol 152.2mg	0%
Sodium 3108.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 95.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.3g	0%
Total Sugars 24.0g
Protein 34.9g	0%

Vitamin D 219.8IU	0%
Calcium 688.6mg	0%
Iron 4.4mg	0%
Potassium 1095.9mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.1%

Protein: 14.1%

Carbs: 38.7%