Description
Spicy Louisiana “Dirty Rice” blends succulent shrimp with robust Cajun seasonings, creating a hearty one-pot marvel that dances with bold southern flavors. Zesty rice absorbs rich meats and aromatic spices, delivering a classic comfort dish that will transport diners straight to New Orleans’ soulful culinary landscape.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound (1/2 lb) ground sausage
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Base and Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare rice by simmering in rich chicken broth, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
- Render sausage in a spacious skillet, allowing fat to release and meat to caramelize, then drain excess oil.
- Introduce aromatic trinity of onions, bell peppers, and celery into the skillet, gently sweating until vegetables become translucent and tender.
- Incorporate minced garlic, stirring briefly to release its fragrant essence without burning.
- Add succulent shrimp to the vegetable mixture, cooking until they transform from translucent to a vibrant pink, indicating perfect doneness.
- Fold cooked rice into the skillet, blending with sausage and seafood mixture.
- Elevate the dish’s complexity by sprinkling smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, freshly cracked black pepper, and a hint of cayenne for warmth.
- Allow ingredients to meld together, intensifying flavors and creating a harmonious one-pan meal.
- Finish with a generous garnish of freshly chopped green onions and parsley, adding bright color and fresh herbaceous notes.
Notes
- Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version that maintains deep flavor complexity.
- Select medium-sized shrimp for consistent cooking and best texture throughout the dish.
- Toast spices briefly before adding to enhance their aromatic qualities and develop richer flavor profiles.
- Consider reducing cayenne pepper for milder palates or adding extra for heat lovers, allowing personalized spice control.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg