Dirty Rice
Louisiana Dirty Rice With Holy Trinity and Cajun Seasoning
Try this hearty, delicious, and flavorful Louisiana Dirty Rice recipe—a side dish that is so versatile it might steal the show. Dirty rice is a rich, comforting, classic Southern dish 一 typically made with sausage, minced chicken livers, ground meat, bell pepper, onion, celery, and spices.
Dirty Rice is the ultimate classic Southern dish! A lot of people think it's a New Orleans thing since its basically from there, but those Mississippi Girls ran with this dish and made it the household taste we all love today. I enjoyed the best darn dirty rice in Biloxi -- right outside of Keesler AFB. If you are ever in that area and see it on the menu somewhere, try it. They Gonna Hook it up!
Many dirty rice recipes can be hit or miss -- and the miss has Alot to do with the rice. You have to soak your rice for at least 10 minutes and clean your rice until the water runs clear. If you do not do this step, your rice will be gummy. The second most important part to dirty rice is ensuring your holy trinity is finely chopped. -- and if you can, use a Sweet Onion instead of a white onion. Let me school you on how to get the rice perfect! This dish is served in a variety of ways at all public events, including funerals, family reunions, potlucks, and cookouts.
It is called "dirty rice" because when the rice cooks with the spices and diced meats, it takes on a "dirty" brown color. Although dirty rice is sometimes referred to as "Cajun rice" or "rice dressing," these terms are only synonyms for the same rice dish; all difference lies in the types of meat used and the number of vegetables or spices added.
What Is Dirty Rice?
Dirty rice, often known as Cajun rice, is a Cajun/Creole American dish. This rice originates in Southern Louisiana and is widely consumed throughout the American South.
Although there are many variations of this dish, traditional dirty rice is made with ground beef, chicken livers, onion, celery stalks, bell pepper, and Cajun seasoning. The chicken livers give the rice its dirty color.
History Of Dirty Rice
The history of dirty rice is quite sad and depressing. This Cajun-style dirty rice was first prepared by slaves using the small scraps of organ flesh they were provided with in addition to rice.
Over time, it was modified to incorporate traditional creole ingredients, like celery, onion, and green peppers, known as the holy trinity. You can read more about the dish's history here: Dirty Rice, Dirty History.
What Is Holy Trinity?
The Holy Trinity is a combination of three ingredients used in Cajun cooking: onion, green bell pepper, and celery.
How To Make Dirty Rice?
Just as with other recipes with a long history, almost every family in Louisiana has their own version of this dish that has been passed down or "the way they like to do it." Here's the recipe how my grandma used to make Dirty Rice.
To begin, heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat and add the ground meat, sausage, and liver. Sprinkle in some Original Crabby Seasoning and sauté the mixture, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned.
Next, stir in the flour, followed by the celery, onion, and bell pepper, and continue to sauté for two minutes. Incorporate the garlic, bay leaves, cayenne, oregano, and Cajun seasoning, stirring well to combine.
Now, add in the chicken broth and add the rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
After simmering, remove the skillet from the heat and allow it to cool for five minutes. Remove the cover, use a fork to gently fluff the rice, then reapply the lid and let it rest for another five minutes.
And, finally, just before serving, garnish the dish with chopped parsley and green onions for a burst of color and freshness.
The Wrap Up!
This is the perfect one-pot meal which is quite versatile! The best part about Dirty Rice is that you can use any type of rice and vegetables you have on hand. Traditionally long-grain or medium-grain white rice is used to make homemade dirty rice but if you prefer the flavor and texture of brown rice, you can use it. Similarly, you can switch up the vegetables to suit your taste buds or to use up any leftovers you have in your refrigerator.
I hope you liked this recipe and planning to try this for tonight dinner! Enjoy.
