Rice is a very common dish, but there are many ways to prepare it. The one I’m going to share today is called Dirty Rice, which is very characteristic of Cajun cuisine, although it is also attributed to American cuisine.
To tell you a little about the origin of this recipe, it comes from the cuisine of the successors of the French-Canadians, who, by interacting with cultures such as the Spanish and Italian, gave rise to a gastronomy typical of the Mediterranean area.
The ingredients used in the preparation of this dish are mainly white rice, which, together with chopped liver and chicken giblets such as the heart or gizzard, color the rice during cooking, giving it that characteristic dark color.
Other chicken sausages can also be added, but the ingredients that can never be missing in this type of cuisine are green pepper, celery, and onion, typically known as the “holy trinity”, a trio widely used in this gastronomy that gives a very specific flavor to the food.
It is prepared by seasoning it with Cajun-style spices, but if you don’t have them in your kitchen, you can use other more common ones such as:
- Paprika
- Mustard
- Oregano
- Black pepper
You’re sure to love this option for its consistent flavor, so be sure to take note and get the ingredients to start preparing it.
Recipe Information
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Category: Main course
- Cuisine type: Cajun
- Calories: 175 kcal per 100 g
Ingredients for Dirty Rice (4 People)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked long white rice | 300 g |
| Chicken livers and hearts | 350 g |
| Medium onion | 1 |
| Garlic cloves | 3 |
| Green pepper | 1 |
| Cajun spices (garlic, onion, cayenne, smoked paprika, black pepper, cumin, thyme) | 2 teaspoons |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 40 ml |
| Fresh chives or spring onions | To taste |
How to Make Dirty Rice?
- In a pot of boiling water, cook the rice for 15 minutes or the exact time indicated on the package. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Slice the garlic and dice the onion and green pepper. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and, when hot, add the diced ingredients. Sauté for about 5 minutes over low heat until the onion turns translucent.
- Cut the chicken hearts and livers into small pieces and place them in the saucepan. Cook for 10 minutes. When the ingredients begin to stick to the bottom, stir and continue.
- Add the cooked long-grain white rice along with the Cajun spice mix.
- Turn off the heat and stir for a couple of minutes.
- Serve with finely chopped spring onion or chives.
Video Guide 📺
Tips for Cooking Good Dirty Rice
- In this recipe, we started by sautéing the meat first and then the rice. You can change the order by cooking the rice first, and the result will be equally good.
- To cook the rice first:
- Add 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups of water to the pot.
- Bring to a boil.
- Add the rice and the bay leaf.
- Cover the pot, reduce the heat, and cook for about 20 minutes.
- Set aside and then prepare the meat as before, finally adding the rice.
- If choosing a specific rice:
- Short-grain rice like arborio or bomba will give a softer result.
- Long-grain rice like basmati will remain looser.
- To prevent the rice’s flavor from being overpowered by the chicken liver:
- Soak it in a bowl covered with milk for two hours.
- Refrigerate.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Dry before cooking.
- This will soften its flavor and make it more tender.
Nutritional Facts (Per 100 g)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 175 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Iron | 3 mg |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
Values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQs
What gives Dirty Rice its dark color?
The chopped chicken livers and giblets color the rice during cooking, giving it its characteristic appearance.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Yes. Simply reduce the amount of Cajun spices or avoid cayenne pepper.
Can I prepare Dirty Rice in advance?
Yes. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is ideal if you want a loose texture, while short-grain rice gives a softer result.
Conclusion
Dirty Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish rooted in Cajun cuisine, made with white rice, chicken giblets, and aromatic vegetables. The combination of the holy trinity and bold spices creates a rich and satisfying meal that is simple to prepare.
