How do you make Cajun dirty rice?

Cajun Dirty Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide

Dirty rice, a staple in Cajun cuisine, is a flavorful and comforting dish. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

* 1 pound ground beef or sausage (pork or chicken)

* 1 large onion, chopped

* 1 green bell pepper, chopped

* 2 cloves garlic, minced

* 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

* 1/2 teaspoon salt

* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

* 1 cup long-grain rice (white or brown)

* 2 cups chicken broth

* 1/2 cup chopped green onions

* Optional: 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Sauté the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.

2. Add veggies: Add the chopped onion, green pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Season and stir: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom.

4. Add rice and broth: Stir in the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

5. Fluff and serve: Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley, if desired. Serve hot.

Tips and Variations:

* Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of hot sauce to your taste.

* Extra flavor: Add a bay leaf while cooking for an extra layer of flavor.

* Shrimp or chicken: Replace the ground beef or sausage with shrimp or cooked chicken for a different protein.

* Vegetarian option: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead.

* Make ahead: Dirty rice can be made ahead of time and reheated.

Enjoy this delicious and easy Cajun dirty rice recipe!