**Cajun Dirty Rice: A Tantalizing One-Pot Dish**
Dirty rice, commonly referred to as Cajun rice or rice dressing, is an iconic dish rooted in the Cajun and Creole cooking traditions. This delicious rice preparation is celebrated for its deep flavor and the incorporation of the “Holy Trinity” of vegetables: onions, bell peppers, and celery. Traditionally, dirty rice features ground meat and chicken giblets, seasoned with a savory Cajun spice mix. Nonetheless, this straightforward one-pot adaptation omits the giblets, making it a convenient option for any home chef.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 pound ground beef (or pork or sausage)
– 1 pound pork sausage, casings removed
– 1 cup onion, diced
– 1 cup bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup celery, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, chopped
– 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 cups long-grained rice
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
– 2 bay leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 green onions, sliced
– 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for around 10 minutes, breaking apart the beef as it cooks, until browned and the vegetables are soft.
2. Mix in the garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking until aromatic, about one minute.
3. Pour in the beef broth, rice, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and bay leaves. Combine thoroughly, bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
4. Take out the bay leaves, season with salt and pepper as needed, and fold in the green onions and parsley. Serve and savor!
**Cooking Tips:**
– If using extra lean beef, sauté the onions, bell pepper, and celery at the same time. Otherwise, cook the beef first, drain the excess fat, and then add the vegetables.
– Feel free to choose any color of bell pepper; a combination of green and red enhances visual appeal.
– To boost flavor, consider adding bacon. Cook it prior to the beef and mix it back in with the rice.
– A few tablespoons of tomato paste can be included with the garlic for a richer flavor profile.
**Nutritional Information:**
– Calories: 513
– Fat: 36g (Saturated: 12g, Trans: 0.8g)
– Cholesterol: 111mg
– Sodium: 1127mg
– Carbohydrates: 61g (Fiber: 1g, Sugars: 4g)
– Protein: 33g
This Cajun dirty rice is a flexible dish that can act as a filling side or a fulfilling main dish. With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, it’s an ideal choice for a swift and delightful meal.