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Classic Southern Dirty Rice – A Flavorful One-Pot Wonder

Classic Southern Dirty Rice – A Flavorful One-Pot Wonder

Classic Southern Dirty Rice is a flavorful one-pot dish bursting with bold spices, tender meats, and vibrant vegetables. This authentic Southern staple is quick to prepare, wholesome, and perfect for any day of the week. With a balance of protein, grains, and veggies, it delivers hearty comfort food with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, or chicken)
  • Optional: 4 ounces chicken livers, rinsed and diced

Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers (green or red), finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Seasonings

  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, adjust to taste)

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Chop the celery, bell pepper, onion, and garlic finely. If using chicken livers, rinse and dice them into small pieces so they cook evenly with the other ingredients.
  2. Brown the Meat and Chicken Livers: Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and chicken livers, cooking until browned and fully cooked through, breaking meat apart to avoid clumps.
  3. Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped celery, bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the meat mixture. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in Seasonings and Rice: Mix in Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to taste. Then add the uncooked white rice, stirring to coat every grain with the seasoning and oils.
  5. Cook the Rice: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 18-20 minutes.
  6. Finish and Garnish: Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in fresh parsley for brightness, and adjust seasoning as needed before serving warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh Cajun seasoning or homemade blends for the best flavor.
  • Chicken broth adds depth to the dish; avoid substituting with water.
  • Chop vegetables finely to ensure even cooking and integration.
  • Simmer rice on low heat to prevent burning or sticking.
  • Let the cooked rice rest for 5 minutes off the heat for fluffier texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dirty Rice, Southern recipe, one-pot meal, Cajun, comfort food, gluten-free, spicy rice dish