CAJUN DIRTY RICE (with healthy options)
1 red pepper *
1 green pepper *
1 yellow onion *
1 bunch of celery *
fresh garlic minced
(1 cup finely chopped of each)
*certified organic is recommended
protein options (1 pound):
ground chicken
ground turkey
ground beef
ground sausage
(Or ¼ pound of each)
½ stick of butter and 2 tbs olive oil (optional)
3 cups chicken broth
1.5 cups Jasmati rice
Seasonings:
Salt
Pepper (black and red)
Onion salt
Garlic powder
Celery salt
Cajun seasonings to taste
Add seasonings to the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Add 1.5 cups rice and when it returns to boiling point reduce heat and cook for 20 min.
While the rice is cooking begin to brown the meat. If you are using extremely lean meat you may need to add olive oil or butter to produce the healthy fat needed to later cook the veggies. Season the meat to taste with the same list of seasonings used for the rice.
While the meat is browning, chop the veggies. The chopping can also be done before the cooking begins if you are a slow chopper. Chop the veggies to the consistency your family prefers. Some prefer cubes of seasoning veggies while others prefer them to be finely diced. A food processor or chopper is fine but I prefer a sharp knife and cutting board.
When rice has cooked for 20 minutes, remove from heat, stir well and cover for 10 minutes. It shouldn’t need to be drained but if the rice is done and liquid can be drained, then strain the rice. Unlike pasta, rice should
When the meat is no longer pink add the holy trinity of seasoning veggies and cook until celery is clear. Stir constantly on medium high heat. Add more seasoning from the list of suggested seasonings especially the garlic/onion/and celery salts. If you like it spicy this is a perfect time to add a little more red pepper.
When the veggies are cooked. Drain excess fat and then add the rice. Add more chicken broth, butter, or olive oil if the dish seems too dry. And always add more seasonings, especially red pepper!