First off, apologies for the not so great images but I knew I wanted to share the recipe and didn’t want to wait to eat it… I know, so selfish of me! Alas, iPhone photos will have to suffice. Plus, ground pork and rice? Not so photogenic even with the best camera! So this is a recipe my Mom made throughout my childhood and it’s one that has gotten me through both tight and homesick times. These flavors are the epitome of comfort food for me. It’s simple, fast, cheap, makes great leftovers and is easy to love. You can make it with ground beef, pork, lamb, turkey…I know, I’ve tried them all. Our current favorite is wild ground pork with lots of caramelized onions and medium grain brown rice. The key here is to use lean meat and lots of yummy spices. Serve with a big salad or a side of greens…it’s one of those adaptive meals that goes with pretty much any side.

Ingredients:
(serves 2 with lots of leftovers or 4 with some leftovers)
1 lb ground pork
3 smallish yellow onions, chopped
1 cup brown rice, medium grain
1/2 Tbsp olive oil
seasonings: garlic salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, ground coriander*

*If ever “season to taste” was appropriate this would be it. Season lightly with the garlic salt and cayenne pepper and then once the meat is fully cooked, start tasting as you go…add in the other spices, more salt and cayenne, taste, add in, taste. We had several tastings before it was just right. This is based off of a Cajun recipe so it should have some pop!

Boil water. Put your rice on to cook. Using a large skillet or cast iron, add your olive oil and onions, saute over medium high heat. Add ground meat and cook through. Season liberally…this should have big flavors (a cajun spice blend is a good choice if you want to make it even easier on yourself). Once your rice is fully cooked, dump in with the meat, stir to combine and let it cook on low heat for a minute or two. Enough for the flavors to meld and then serve. This recipe is delicious right after cooking but even better the next day!