Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant heart of Louisiana with this mouthwatering Cajun Sausage Dirty Rice! 
This isn't just another rice dish - it's a flavor explosion that combines spicy Cajun sausage, perfectly seasoned rice, and a symphony of vegetables that will make your kitchen smell like a New Orleans culinary paradise. Whether you're craving a hearty weeknight dinner or looking to impress your guests with an authentic Southern-style meal, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Cajun sausage
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of Cajun sausage, 1 cup of long-grain rice, 1 diced onion, 1 diced bell pepper, 2 diced stalks of celery, 3 cups of chicken broth, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they become tender and the onion is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Next, slice the Cajun sausage into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through.
- Once the sausage is cooked, stir in the Cajun seasoning, ensuring that the sausage and vegetables are well-coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the uncooked long-grain rice to the skillet, stirring to combine it with the sausage and vegetable mixture.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid.
- Let the rice simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure proper cooking.
- After the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Sausage: For authentic flavor, use Andouille sausage or a spicy Cajun-style sausage that brings maximum flavor and heat.
- Don't Rush the Sautéing: Take your time when cooking the vegetables. Properly caramelized onions, bell peppers, and celery create a flavor base that's crucial to the dish.
- Rice Matters: Use long-grain rice and avoid stirring too much while it's cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Seasoning is Key: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat preference. Start with less and add more if needed.
- Let it Rest: The 5-minute resting period after cooking allows the rice to absorb remaining moisture and lets the flavors meld together.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh chopped green onions or parsley can add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add additional vegetables like okra or swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for variation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
