If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together in no time, look no further than this Easy Cajun Dirty Rice with Sausage. This one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious mix of spices and savory sausage that will warm you from the inside out. Get ready to bring a taste of Louisiana to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Steps
- Cook the long-grain rice in chicken stock following package instructions until tender. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
- In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet, cooking until the vegetables start to soften, which should take around 2-3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together using a wooden spoon.
- Pour a small amount of chicken stock into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Mix in the cooked rice, ensuring it’s well combined with the sausage and vegetables. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, adding more chicken stock if necessary to prevent the dish from drying out.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the dirty rice to a serving dish. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve. Enjoy your flavorful dish!
Ingredients
- Long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken stock (or chicken broth/vegetable broth)
- Butter
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 12 ounces smoked sausage (such as andouille, beef, turkey, or chicken sausage)
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 large celery stalk, chopped
- Fresh garlic
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Dried thyme
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1556 kcal | Carbohydrates: 181.6g | Protein: 68g | Fat: 62g | Saturated Fat: 19.2g | Cholesterol: 252mg | Sodium: 3768mg | Potassium: 1320mg | Fiber: 7.6g | Sugar: 18g | Calcium: 272mg | Iron: 16mg
FAQ
- What is dirty rice and why is it called “dirty”?
- Dirty rice is a popular side dish in Southern US cuisine, particularly in Louisiana. It traditionally includes long-grain rice cooked with the “holy trinity” of Cajun and Creole cooking—onion, bell pepper, and celery—plus ground meats such as chicken livers and gizzards. The dish gets its “dirty” appearance from these ingredients, which give the rice a darker color.
- Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?
- Yes, you can use a variety of smoked sausages in this recipe. Options include andouille, beef, turkey, or chicken sausage. For those looking for a plant-based option, plant-based smoked sausage can also be used.
- How can I make this dish ahead of time?
- You can prepare dirty rice up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve.
- What should I serve alongside dirty rice?
- Dirty rice pairs well with a variety of dishes. Consider serving it with hot honey butter chicken thighs, blackened or fried fish, shrimp, Po’Boy sandwiches, or crab cakes. It can also be enjoyed as a meal on its own with crusty bread or cornbread.
- How do I store leftovers and how long will they last?
- Store leftover dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to five days. Reheat before serving to enjoy its full flavor.
Tips
- Use Chicken Stock for Flavor: Cooking the rice in chicken stock instead of plain water enhances the dish’s flavor, giving the rice a richer taste. You can also substitute with chicken or vegetable broth if preferred.
- Deglaze the Pan: After cooking the sausage and vegetables, add a small amount of chicken stock to the skillet to deglaze it. This step helps lift any browned bits from the bottom, adding depth and flavor to your dish.
- Adjust Moisture Levels: While incorporating the rice with the sausage and vegetables, keep an eye on the dish’s moisture. Add a bit more chicken stock if the mixture seems dry, ensuring the rice remains moist and flavorful.
- Make Ahead and Store: Prepare dirty rice up to two days in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet or a heavy-bottomed skillet: Essential for browning the sausage and cooking the vegetables.
- Wooden Spoon: Useful for stirring the ingredients and deglazing the pan.