Hamburger and Rice

Ingredients

½ teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon water
1 lb ground beef
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon oil
1 medium onion chopped
2 celery stalks sliced
2 carrots sliced
8 ounces cremini mushrooms cleaned and sliced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef stock
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 handful of fresh parsley chopped
1 cup long grain white rice uncooked
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Combine baking soda with water in a small bowl to tenderize the ground beef. Mix this solution with the ground beef until it’s evenly distributed. Set aside while you prep the rest of the ingredients for the dish.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, sprinkle with salt, and cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add chopped onion, diced celery stalks, sliced carrots, and sliced cremini mushrooms. Sauté until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Sprinkle all-purpose flour over cooked vegetables and stir well. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Gradually pour in beef stock, stirring constantly to prevent clumps.

Add rinsed and drained white rice, browned beef, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped parsley to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 15 to 20 minutes or until rice is tender. Add additional beef stock or water if necessary.

Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat. Allow to rest and cool for a few minutes before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional chopped parsley.