Description
Hearty Louisiana dirty rice delivers a spicy Southern classic that blends rich ground meat, aromatic vegetables, and bold Cajun seasonings. Savory rice studded with chicken livers creates a rustic, flavorful dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground turkey or ground chicken
- 1/2 pound (225 grams) chicken livers, finely chopped (optional)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Rice and Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) long-grain rice
- 2 1/2 cups (600 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the protein by heating oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown ground turkey or chicken and chicken livers, breaking meat into fine crumbles while seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Introduce chopped onions, bell peppers, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until vegetables become translucent and aromatic, approximately 5 minutes.
- Awaken the spices by mixing Cajun seasoning, thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper into the meat and vegetable mixture. Toast the spices for 1-2 minutes to intensify their flavors.
- Incorporate uncooked rice into the skillet, ensuring each grain is coated with the seasoned meat mixture. Pour chicken broth, bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is completely absorbed.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork, folding in fresh green onions and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Transfer the vibrant Louisiana dirty rice to a serving dish. Serve piping hot as a hearty main course or robust side dish, celebrating the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana.
Notes
- Swap ground turkey or chicken with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains the robust, spicy profile.
- Reduce cayenne pepper for milder palates or add extra for heat lovers seeking an intense Cajun kick.
- Toast rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance nutty flavors and prevent clumping during cooking.
- Opt for brown rice as a nutritious alternative, adjusting liquid and cooking time accordingly for perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 287 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg