French Supper. Phenominal Friendships.

It started in a boarding school in the Ivory Coast (Africa). My cousins went to school there while my aunt and uncle were missionaries in Mali. I have no idea if this meal came out of desperation, laziness, or lack of groceries (or, possibly, it was intentional?) All I know is "ICA Special" came back to the good ol' US of A and its now my family's star dinner-party go-to.

We all make the beef gravy a little bit differently, so depending on whose house you're at, you'll find some slightly different flavors there. But the manner of serving and the toppings stay the same. Rice. Beef gravy. Peanuts. Coconut. Tomatoes. Pepper. Pineapple. It sounds so weird. But there's something about the combination of flavors that is so phenomenal. PHENOMENAL! I always tell my guests to use all of the toppings, even if there's something they don't like all that much (unless, of course, you're allergic to something). To date, no one has ever regretted it.

The REALLY awesome part of this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. The slightly difficult part of this recipe is the fact that there's never really been an actual recipe. All of us Fast women just know how to make it. So, I apologize in advance that the amounts aren't exact, but you'll figure it out. Just taste it as you make it!

INGREDIENTS

1 Cup Long Grain White Rice
1 3/4 Cup Water
1 tsp Salt

1 1/2 lbs Ground Beef
1 Can (14.5 oz) Beef Broth
2 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour (can substitute corn starch for gluten-free)
1-2 Tbsp Curry Powder (to taste)
Salt & Pepper

1 Large Green Pepper, chopped
3-4 Roma Tomatoes, chopped
1 Cup Peanuts (I prefer dry roasted)
1 Can (20 oz) Pineapple Tidbits, drained
1 Cup Shredded Coconut

DIRECTIONS

Cook rice per package directions (adjust water measurement appropriately depending on your cooking method).

In a large skillet, brown ground beef; drain. Stir in flour and spices (start with less curry powder, you can add more at the end to make it as flavorful as you'd like. Same with the salt and pepper). Stir in beef broth and cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until gravy is thick. If it is too thick, you can add more broth or some water. If gravy is too thin, make a slurry with additional flour and cold water (about 1:2 ratio of flour to water). Shake flour and water in sealed container and add slowly to the gravy (stirring in a little bit at a time) until desired thickness is reached. Add additional spices to taste.

SERVE IT UP

Serve the beef gravy over rice, and top with desired amounts of green pepper, tomatoes, peanuts, pineapple, and coconut. If you don't prefer something, use less of it. But don't skip it unless you're allergic. Trust me, you won't regret it.

This meal is a lot like a group of great friends. Some of your friends are sweet like the pineapple, some are fruity like the tomatoes, some are calm and cool like the green peppers, and there are always a couple nuts... And there's no better way to eat this fabulous meal than to share it with PHENOMENAL friends. 

#GCnotGC