Rice and gravy are staple foods in many cuisines around the world. Rice is a versatile grain that can be paired with a variety of sauces and gravies. Gravy is a sauce typically made from meat drippings, broth, and seasonings. Many people enjoy rice with gravy, but some wonder if the starchiness of the rice will clash with the richness of the gravy. Here, we’ll explore whether or not rice and gravy make a good combination.
The Appeal of Rice and Gravy
There are several reasons why rice and gravy are commonly served together:
Complementary textures
Rice has a soft, fluffy texture when cooked properly. This contrasts nicely with the thick, creamy consistency of gravy. The rice soaks up the gravy and adds more body and texture to each bite.
Flavor enhancement
Gravy can permeate into the rice, infusing it with extra flavor. The seasoning and savory umami taste of the gravy enhances the relatively plain flavor of white rice. Rice takes on the tastes of whatever it is served with.
Tradition
In many traditional cuisines, rice and gravy go hand-in-hand. This combination can be found in dishes like Southern-style chicken and rice, Swedish meatballs with gravy over rice, and Filipino-style chicken adobo served with rice. People who grew up eating certain cultural dishes may have an ingrained fondness for rice soaked with gravy.
Versatility
Rice and gravy can accompany a variety of main dishes. The rice stretches meals, providing extra bulk and carbs to balance out vegetables and proteins. The gravy ties the meal together, coating both the protein and rice.
Potential Drawbacks of Rice and Gravy
While rice and gravy work well together in many dishes, there are a few potential issues to consider:
Moisture overload
Too much gravy on rice can make the rice mushy and soggy. The starch in rice absorbs liquid easily. Using a gravy with a loose consistency or adding too much gravy can cause the rice to become gummy. Al dente rice grains will start to lose their shape.
Richness overload
Gravy often contains a lot of fat, which can make a meal with rice and gravy very heavy. Eating big portions may lead to an overly rich, greasy feeling. Lighter gravies or smaller portion sizes may be better for some.
Loss of texture
As mentioned, soggy rice loses its fluffy texture. The distinct grains become an indistinct mush. Some people strongly prefer rice with a discernable grain and bite. Too much gravy ruins this texture.
Lack of contrast
If the rice absorbs too much gravy flavor, it may start to just taste like the gravy. The flavors blend together so much that the dish loses contrast. The starchiness and mild flavor of the rice balance out and complement the strong tastes of gravy.
Tips for Serving Rice with Gravy
It’s easy to enjoy rice with gravy if you follow a few simple serving suggestions:
Use the right rice
The best rice varieties for gravy are medium or long grain types like jasmine and basmati. Short grain rice sticks together more. Longer grains have more surface area for the gravy to adhere to while maintaining a separated, fluffy texture.
Cook the rice properly
Rice should be cooked until just al dente, with still a tiny bit of firmness at the center of each grain. Overcooked, mushy rice will get gummy with gravy. Rinsing the rice before cooking can reduce surface starches.
Flavor the rice
Cooking the rice in broth or stock rather than water adds extra flavor. This enhances the rice and prevents gravy from making it bland.
Use the right amount of gravy
Add just enough gravy to moisten and flavor the rice without drowning it. Start with about 1-2 tablespoons per half cup of rice. Mix gently to evenly coat grains.
Add gravy gradually
Don’t pour gravy over the rice all at once. Add a bit, mix and taste, adding more as needed. This allows you to better control moisture and prevent sogginess.
Keep ingredients separate
Serve gravy over rice without stirring together. This avoids saturated rice and keeps textures distinct. Let each diner mix according to personal preference.
Include other ingredients
Pair rice and gravy with vegetables, meat, beans or other ingredients. These add fresh textures and flavors to balance the starch and richness.
What Kinds of Gravy Work Best on Rice?
Rice can be topped with all sorts of savory gravies, though some pairings work especially well.
Meat-based gravies
From beef to turkey, meat gravies deliver robust umami flavor. Slow-cooked meat drippings create delicious flavorful gravies that seep into the rice.
Mushroom gravy
Earthy mushroom gravy adds savory flavor to rice without being as heavy as meat-based gravy. Mushroom gravies made from both fresh and dried mushrooms work well.
Onion gravy
Sweet caramelized onions make a tasty gravy for rice. This type of gravy is nicely balanced. Use onion gravy with heavier dishes.
Turkey or chicken gravy
Poultry gravies tend to be lighter than beef or pork gravies. They add lots of flavor without too much grease and go well with rice.
Sausage gravy
For a heartier flavor, try rice with sage sausage gravy. The spices and fennel in the sausage give great taste to the gravy.
Seafood gravy
For a lighter gravy, make it using shrimp, fish or shellfish broth. The briny seafood essence pairs deliciously with fluffy rice.
Vegetable gravy
For a vegan or dairy-free option, use vegetable broth seasoned with onions, herbs and spices to make plant-based gravy for rice.
What Dishes Feature Rice with Gravy?
Many iconic dishes from around the world include rice cooked with or topped with flavorful gravies. Here are just a few examples:
Southern-style rice
In the American South, smoked, stewed, or fried meats are often served over rice drenched with pan gravies and juices. This dish is a staple of soul food cuisine.
| Southern-Style Rice and Gravy Dishes |
|---|
| Smothered pork chops with rice |
| Chicken fried steak with gravy over rice |
| Dirty rice with sausage gravy |
Swedish cuisine
Swedish meatballs and cream gravy are iconic over a bed of fluffy white rice. Lingonberry jam adds tart contrast to the rich and comforting combination.
Mexican cuisine
Rice often soaks up the juices and condiments served with Mexican dishes like burritos, enchiladas, tacos and more. Tomatoes, chilies and spices flavor the gravy.
Cuban cuisine
Moros y Cristianos combines rice, black beans and plenty of garlicky sofrito gravy. Cuban picadillo served over rice is another classic.
Puerto Rican cuisine
Rice with gandules (pigeon peas) integrates flavorful pork and sofrito gravy. Arroz con pollo is chicken and rice in seasoned gravy.
Filipino cuisine
A popular Filipino dish is garlic fried rice topped with an egg and banana ketchup. Other dishes like kare-kare and adobo also involve gravy-laden rice.
Homemade Rice and Gravy Recipes
It’s easy to whip up delicious rice and gravy at home. Here are recipes representing different styles:
Chicken Fried Rice with Mushroom Gravy
Ingredients:
– 3 cups cooked rice
– 1 pound boneless chicken, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 3 eggs, scrambled
– 3 scallions, sliced
– Soy sauce
– Sesame oil
– For mushroom gravy:
– 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic
– 3 tbsp butter
– 3 tbsp flour
– 2 cups chicken broth
Directions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in pan and sauté chicken until cooked through. Add garlic, peas and cook 1 minute more.
3. Push chicken to sides. Add eggs to center and scramble until set. Mix together.
4. Add soy sauce and sesame oil to taste. Mix in scallions.
5. For gravy, sauté mushrooms, onion and garlic in butter. Sprinkle flour and whisk. Slowly add broth while stirring. Simmer until thickened.
6. Serve fried rice topped with mushroom gravy.
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage over Dirty Rice
Ingredients:
– 1 pound shrimp, peeled
– 8 ounces andouille sausage, sliced
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 3 stalks celery, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup rice
– 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 scallions, sliced
Directions:
1. In pan, cook sausage until browned. Remove sausage.
2. Add onion, pepper, celery, garlic to pan. Sauté 5 minutes.
3. Stir in rice, broth, Cajun seasoning and tomato paste. Bring to boil then cover and simmer 20 minutes.
4. Mix sausage back in. Cook until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
5. In separate pan, sauté shrimp with more Cajun seasoning just until pink.
6. Serve shrimp over dirty rice. Garnish with scallions.
Indian Butter Chicken over Basmati Rice
Ingredients:
– 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 2 teaspoons garam masala
– 1 teaspoon turmeric
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup cream or coconut milk
– Lime wedges for serving
– Cooked basmati rice
Directions:
1. Marinate chicken in yogurt, ginger and half of spices for 30 minutes.
2. In pan, sauté onions, then add chicken and marinade. Cook until no longer pink.
3. Add tomato sauce, broth and rest of spices. Simmer 15 minutes until thickened.
4. Remove chicken and keep gravy simmering. Add butter and cream or coconut milk.
5. Return chicken to gravy and heat through.
6. Serve over basmati rice. Squeeze lime juice over top.
Expert Opinions on Rice with Gravy
Chefs and food experts agree that rice works well with gravy in most cases. Here’s what they have to say:
“Rice is an excellent canvas for soaking up the rich, intense flavors of gravy. The starchiness of the rice balances out the texture of the gravy beautifully. Just be careful not to oversaturate the rice, as you don’t want it to get gummy.” – Chef Julia Reed
“I’m a big fan of rice and gravy combinations across many cuisines. The rice acts as a neutral base that absorbs and carries the sauce, allowing the savory flavors to shine. From jambalaya to Swedish meatballs to kare-kare, gravy just makes rice better.” – Food blogger Mark Delong
“In my Southern household, no meal was complete without a mound of white rice covered in rich gravy made from the meat drippings. The moisture helps keep the rice from drying out while adding so much flavor. Just be sure to start with a flavorful gravy and use it judiciously over properly cooked rice.” – Cookbook author Alicia Jones
Conclusion
Rice and gravy can form a delicious pairing when done properly. The trick is getting the right ratio of fluffy, intact rice grains to flavorful gravy. Cook the rice al dente and only add enough gravy to moisten and infuse flavor without making the rice soggy. Stick to medium or long grain rice varieties. Hearty, savory gravies work best and help the rice soak up delicious umami taste. From Southern classics to Swedish meatballs to Filipino adobo, rice with gravy graces plates around the world for good reason. With the right balance, the starchiness of the rice and the richness of the gravy come together in perfect harmony.