1 1/2 cups long grain rice, parboiled
2 1/2 cups water
3 tablespoons butter
1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1 tablespoon garlic, fresh, chopped
3 chicken broth cubes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup Asiago cheese, grated
1 tablespoon basil, fresh, chiffonnade or chopped
kosher salt and black pepper to taste
In a large thick bottomed sauce pot, melt the butter
over medium high heat. Stir in the rice, diced onion,
celery and chopped garlic. Continue to stir the mix
until the rice starts to turn golden brown. Add the
broth cubes, water, diced tomato and tomato paste.
Reduce the heat, cover and let simmer for about 10
to 15 minutes, stir every few minutes. When the water
has been absorbed add the heavy cream and Asiago.
Season to taste with kosher salt and ground black
pepper. Let the rice sit for a minute over low heat and
you are ready to serve. Garnish with chiffonnade basil
and some freshly diced tomato.