It’s cooked like Asian fried rice but the flavors and textures aren’t Asian at all. Garlic, basil, thyme and oregano form the flavor base. Flax, chia and hemp seeds provide the texture.
Cook’s notes
Say “fried rice” and most people think of Chinese-style fried rice. Eggs, char shiu pork, sausages, carrot, peas… Delicious, sure, but there’s more than one way to cook fried rice, as any cook worth his or her salt will tell you.
The flavor base
But why garlic, basil, thyme and oregano? Because those were what we had in the pantry on the day this dish was cooked. If you’re wondering if other herbs and spices can be used, the answer is a resounding yes. Think of the “holy trinity” — not in any religious sense but as a flavor base associated with Cajun and Creole cooking. One part onion, one part carrot and one part bell pepper. It’s a modification of the French mirepoix which has onion, carrot and celery. Now, think of creating your own flavor base. You like Southeast Asian flavors? Try combining lemongrass, ginger and chilies. Japanese? The trinity of soy sauce, sake and mirin form the base of so many Japanese dishes. So many options, really. Whatever flavor base you choose, just remember that a good rice dish is not only rich in flavor but in texture as well. And seeds not only give fried rice texture but a delightful aroma too.Seeds for texture (and added nutrients)
Toasted sesame seeds are our default seed garnish at home. But since we’re veering away from everything that’s default in this recipe, we opted for: Flax seeds (flaxseeds): They are rich in antioxidants and contain omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds: They’re a good source of B vitamins. You might have come across recipes for smoothies and desserts where chia seeds are soaked in water until they bloat and turn slimy (some describe the texture as gelatinous). Okay, I don’t find chia seeds palatable that way. The good thing is that they are equally good and just as nutritious when eaten dry just like they way they are used in this fried rice. Hemp seeds: They are rich in alpha linolenic acid (omega-3) and linoleic acid (omega-6). Yes, they come from cannabis sativa but they don’t have the same narcotic affects. You’re not likely to get high with a few pinches of hemp seeds in your rice. Updated from a recipe originally published in August 28, 2016Herb and seed fried rice
Ingredients
- 3 cups day-old cooked rice
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 small sprig oregano stripped (or ⅛ teaspoon dried)
- salt
- pepper
- 1 teaspoon flax seeds
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon hemp seeds
- 1 tablespoon sliced scallions
Instructions
- Crumble the rice to separate the grains.
- Heat the cooking oil in a wok or frying pan.
- Lightly brown the garlic over medium heat.
- Add the basil, thyme and oregano. Cook, stirring, for half a minute.
- Turn up the heat to high.
- Add the rice. Season with salt and pepper. Stir fry until the rice is heated through.
- Off the heat, add the flax, chia and hemp seeds.
- Toss to blend well.
- Taste and add more salt and pepper, if needed.
- Add the scallions, toss a few more times.
- Serve the herb and seed fried rice with your meat, seafood or vegetable main course.
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