Description
This Cajun Dirty Rice recipe combines flavorful smoked sausage with aromatic vegetables and spicy Cajun seasonings, all mixed into tender long-grain rice. A quick and satisfying dish perfect for a comforting weeknight meal with authentic Southern flair.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Rice and Stock
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken stock, divided
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Sausage and Vegetables
- 12 ounces smoked sausage (about 4 medium links)
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 large stalk celery, chopped into half moons
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a pot, cook the long-grain rice with 2 cups of chicken stock according to the package instructions until tender. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a medium heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter together with the olive oil. Add the smoked sausage slices and cook until browned, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and cracked black pepper over the sausage and vegetables. Stir well using a wooden spoon to combine all the spices evenly.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour a small amount of the reserved chicken stock into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with the spoon to deepen the flavor.
- Combine Rice and Sausage Mixture: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir thoroughly to mix with the sausage and vegetables. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring continuously. Add more chicken stock if necessary to keep the rice moist but not dry.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the dirty rice to a serving dish. Garnish optionally with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use smoked sausage for authentic smoky flavor; andouille sausage is a great choice.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spiciness to your preference.
- Make sure to fluff the rice gently to avoid mushy texture.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and freshness but is optional.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; add a splash of chicken stock to keep rice moist when reheating.
