Rachael's Daytime Talk Show
Italian-Style Rice -- 04/03/12

Italian-Style Rice

Ingredients

  • For the Pesto:
  • 2 cups lightly packed fresh basil leaves
  • 3 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, freshly grated
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil

  • For the Italian-Style Rice:
  • 1 package Uncle Ben’s® Rice
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/2 pound pork or turkey sausage
  • 1/4 cup Pesto
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Yields: 4-6

Preparation

For the Pesto:
Into the bowl of a food processor, place the garlic, basil, pine nuts, cheese and salt. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped. With the food processor still running, stream in 1/2 cup of EVOO into the mixture until it becomes a smooth paste. Set aside.

For the Rice:
Prepare rice to package directions.

In a large pan, heat a few tablespoons EVOO over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Add pesto and rice. Toss until coated.

Top with cheese and serve.