Thai Basil Fried Rice

Fried rice is one of my favorite meals to cook - it is flavorful and filling and also quick and easy to prepare. While usually it is Chinese Fried Rice, this time I had some fragrant basil leaves at hand and thought of making this Thai style rice. It is spicy with the basil giving a nice flavor and fragrance. The mushrooms and peppers add some texture, you can also add fried tofu to make it a wholesome meal.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons oil

3-4 cloves garlic, minced fine

1-2 Thai green chilies, cut in two

1 inch knob of ginger, minced

1 large onion, sliced

10-12 button mushrooms

1 large green pepper, sliced

2 cups cooked rice (Best cold)

1/2 teaspoon sugar

3-4 tablespoons soy sauce

12-15 basil leaves, roughly torn

Heat oil in a wok. Add the garlic, chilies and ginger. Saute for a minute on high heat. Next add the onions and green peppers. Saute till slightly browned, about 3 minutes on high heat. Next add the mushrooms, soy sauce and sugar. Continue sauteing. Add the rice and mix well. Cook for about 5 minutes. Lastly add the basil leaves and mix. As they heat up the leaves will wilt and become a darker color. This takes about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and serve hot with Thai Iced Tea!