Description
Cajun Dirty Rice with Smoked Sausage is a flavorful, hearty dish combining tender long-grain rice with smoky sausage, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of Cajun spices. This classic Southern recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, featuring a medley of spices like paprika, cayenne, and thyme, sautéed vegetables, and juicy smoked sausage all cooked together to create a rich and savory rice dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken stock, divided
Cooking Fat
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Protein
- 12 ounces smoked sausage (about 4 medium links)
Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 large stalk celery, chopped into half moons
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a pot, cook 1 cup of long-grain rice with 2 cups of chicken stock according to package instructions until tender. Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork and set it aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a medium heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter together with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add 12 ounces of smoked sausage sliced or whole and cook until well browned, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped yellow onion, red bell pepper, and celery to the skillet with the browned sausage. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for about 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon each of dried thyme and oregano, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, salt, and cracked black pepper over the sausage and vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon to combine flavors.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour a small amount of remaining chicken stock into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with the wooden spoon to incorporate all the flavors.
- Add the Rice and Combine: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and mix thoroughly with the sausage and vegetables. Cook, stirring frequently, for another 2 to 3 minutes. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash more chicken stock to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.
- Serve: Remove the pan from heat and transfer the dirty rice to a serving dish. Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your Cajun Dirty Rice!
Notes
- Chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken stock with great results.
- Feel free to substitute the smoked sausage with pork, chicken, turkey, or plant-based smoked sausage based on your dietary preferences.
- Leftover dirty rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for easy reheating and quick meals later.
