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Spicy Cajun Dirty Rice

This spicy Cajun dirty rice recipe features seasoned ground pork, an aromatic vegetable blend, and a kick of Cajun spices. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be served as a side or a light main course.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground pork or a mix of pork and beef
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 3 garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning or more, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice cooked separately
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large skillet or Dutch oven

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven and cook ground pork until browned, then drain excess fat.
  2. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
  5. Add the cooked rice, stirring to combine and coat the rice with the seasoned mixture.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors and absorb liquid.
  7. Stir in fresh parsley, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve hot as a hearty side dish or a light main course.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground pork and beef. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level. This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.