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Savor the Mediterranean: Easy Fried Rice with Zesty Sausage, Artichokes & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Experience a burst of Mediterranean sunshine in every bite with this incredibly flavorful fried rice. Zesty artichoke hearts, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and crisp bell peppers perfectly complement spicy (or mild) Italian sausages, all tossed with wholesome brown rice. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a culinary journey, transforming simple leftovers into an unforgettable feast.

There’s a special kind of magic in the kitchen when a humble pot of leftovers undergoes a delicious transformation, emerging as an entirely new and exciting meal. This Mediterranean Fried Rice is a prime example of such culinary alchemy, designed to delight the palate and even spark a friendly rivalry over who gets the largest share for tomorrow’s lunch!

The inspiration for this vibrant dish came from a familiar scene: a generously sized bowl of cooked brown rice, patiently waiting in the fridge, accompanied by an array of fresh, Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. With these readily available fixings, crafting a wholesome and incredibly tasty supper became a remarkably quick and satisfying endeavor.

The true testament to its success? Observing the good-natured tussle between the two hungry men in our household (one full-grown, the other a rapidly growing teenager) over who would claim the bigger portion of leftovers. It was clear: this dish had hit all the right notes, earning its place as a new family favorite. It’s a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly extraordinary that everyone will crave.

Initially, I prepared this recipe with four cups of brown rice, and the flavors were absolutely fantastic. However, noticing a little more cooked rice still lingering in the bowl, I decided to toss it into the mix, adding a touch more seasoning for good measure. To my delight, the dish remained bursting with that sunny, robust Mediterranean essence. This happy accident taught me a valuable lesson: the quantity of rice in this recipe is wonderfully flexible. Feel free to adjust it based on what you have on hand or how many people you’re serving, confident that the rich flavors will shine through.

In fact, this dish has become such a hit that it’s already been requested for an encore! Now, whenever I cook rice, I purposefully prepare a larger batch than needed, knowing that a second helping of this delightful Mediterranean Fried Rice is always a welcome possibility. It’s a brilliant way to ensure no grain of delicious rice ever goes to waste, and that a fantastic, ready-to-go meal is always within reach.

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Kitchen Frau’s Essential Notes for a Perfect Mediterranean Fried Rice:

To effortlessly expand this delicious meal to serve six hungry individuals, or to ensure you have ample leftovers for a couple of satisfying lunches throughout the week, simply increase the cooked brown rice to a generous 6 cups. When you make this adjustment, remember to also add an extra sprinkle of dried oregano, a touch more sea salt, and freshly ground pepper to maintain that perfect balance of flavors.

One of my kitchen staples is a large jar of marinated artichoke hearts, always readily available in the fridge. I find the 1.8-liter jars of marinated, quartered artichokes at Superstore for a fantastic price, around $12. These are an absolute lifesaver! They are incredibly versatile and handy to incorporate into a myriad of dishes, from vibrant salads to warm grain bowls. They also make an excellent addition to any appetizer platter or, honestly, they’re so delicious you might just find yourself eating them straight from the jar as a quick, flavorful snack. If the large jars of marinated artichokes aren’t available in your area, don’t fret. A smaller jar of drained, plain artichoke hearts (canned or jarred) will work beautifully as well. Simply give them a quick chop if they’re whole.

Did you know these marinated artichoke hearts also shine in other recipes? Try them in this incredibly delicious Tuna and Cannellini Bean Salad for another quick and healthy meal idea.

Another must-have in my refrigerator is a substantial jar of sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. The variety I typically purchase from Costco comes pre-cut into convenient chunks and often has a subtle blend of added spices, which further enhances their depth of flavor. However, if your local store only offers plain sun-dried tomatoes in oil, those will work perfectly too! The oil they’re packed in is a treasure trove of flavor itself, infused with the rich, concentrated taste of the tomatoes, and should definitely be included in the recipe.

Mediterranean Fried Rice Recipe

This recipe brings together the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with the comforting texture of fried rice. It’s an ideal way to use leftover brown rice and create a meal that’s both hearty and incredibly satisfying.

1 lb (454gms) Italian sausages (approximately 5 links), choose mild or hot according to your preference (ensure they are gluten-free if necessary for dietary reasons)
1 tablespoon high-quality olive oil
1 medium-sized red onion, for a hint of sweetness and beautiful color
1 large red bell pepper, adding crispness and a vibrant hue
1 large green bell pepper, for fresh flavor and contrast
½ teaspoon sea salt, to enhance all the flavors
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, finely minced, the aromatic heart of Mediterranean cuisine
2 teaspoons dried oregano, for an authentic herbal note
1 cup (160gms) drained, marinated artichoke hearts (roughly 16 quartered pieces), adding a tangy, briny complexity
½ cup (120ml) sun-dried tomatoes in oil (along with their flavorful oil), providing a deep, concentrated tomato essence
4 – 6 cups (1-1.5 litres) cooked brown rice (adjust seasoning if you opt for 6 cups), providing a wholesome base
4 to 5 large fresh basil leaves, optional, but highly recommended for a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color (fresh parsley or chopped green onions can be used as alternatives)

Instructions for Preparing Your Mediterranean Fried Rice:

Begin by carefully slicing the Italian sausages into half-inch (1 cm) thick rounds. This ensures even cooking and allows them to brown beautifully, developing a crispy exterior that adds wonderful texture to the dish.

In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan, arrange the sausage slices in a single layer. This is crucial for achieving that desirable golden-brown crispness. Cook over medium-high heat until the bottom sides are beautifully browned. Then, flip each slice and continue to cook until both sides are delightfully crispy and golden-brown. Once cooked, transfer the sausage slices to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat. Carefully discard the rendered fat from the skillet, leaving it ready for the next step.

While the sausages are browning and crisping up, you can get a head start on the vegetables. In a separate large skillet or a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Dice the red onion and both red and green bell peppers into uniform half-inch (1cm) pieces. Add these diced vegetables to the heated oil, along with the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté the vegetables, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes, or until they have softened nicely but still retain a slight al dente bite. This gentle sautéing brings out their natural sweetness and vibrant colors.

Next, finely mince the garlic cloves and add them to the softened vegetables along with the dried oregano. Continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes. This brief cooking time allows the garlic to become fragrant and the oregano to release its aromatic oils without burning, ensuring a deep, savory base for your fried rice.

Prepare the artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes: if using quartered artichoke hearts, slice each quarter in half lengthwise to create smaller, more manageable pieces. If your sun-dried tomatoes are whole, roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces. Add both the prepared artichokes and the sun-dried tomatoes (including their flavorful oil, which adds incredible depth) to the sautéed vegetables in the skillet.

Now, it’s time to bring all the delicious components together. Add the browned sausage slices and the cooked brown rice to the skillet with the vegetables, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed; a little extra salt and pepper can make a big difference. Continue to heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is completely heated through and all the ingredients are warm and harmonized.

Carefully transfer the vibrant Mediterranean Fried Rice to a large serving dish, ready to be enjoyed.

For a beautiful and aromatic finish, prepare the fresh basil chiffonade. Stack the basil leaves neatly on top of each other. Roll them tightly into a cylinder, then slice crosswise as thinly as possible. This technique creates delicate, ribbon-like strips of basil that release their fresh aroma and add a touch of elegance.

Generously scatter the delicate basil chiffonade across the top of the fried rice. This not only adds a lovely splash of fresh green color, enhancing its visual appeal, but also provides a delightful burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that perfectly brightens the entire dish.

This recipe generously serves 4, making it perfect for a family meal or for having some delicious leftovers ready to go.

Guten Appetit! Enjoy your delicious meal!

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Fried Rice:

Incredibly Flavorful: Each bite is packed with tangy artichokes, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, savory sausage, and fresh herbs.
Perfect for Leftovers: A fantastic way to repurpose cooked brown rice, turning it into something exciting.
Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with wholesome brown rice, colorful vegetables, and protein-packed sausage.
Quick & Easy: Once your rice is cooked, this dish comes together remarkably fast, ideal for busy weeknights.
Versatile: Easily customizable with other vegetables, different proteins, or your favorite Mediterranean spices.

Tips for Success:

Cook Rice Ahead: For the best texture in fried rice, use day-old (or at least completely cooled) cooked brown rice. It’s less sticky and fries up better.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: When browning the sausage, cook in a single layer to ensure even browning and crispiness. If your pan isn’t large enough, cook in batches.
Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of this dish truly shines with good quality Italian sausage, marinated artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings to your preference.

Variations to Explore:

Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and add chickpeas, cannellini beans, or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty plant-based alternative.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in spinach, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or Kalamata olives during the last few minutes of cooking.
Different Grains: While brown rice is fantastic, you could experiment with farro, quinoa, or even white rice for a different texture.
Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or choose hot Italian sausages.

Storage and Reheating:

Leftovers of this Mediterranean Fried Rice store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it, but a skillet will help maintain the texture of the rice and vegetables.

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