Cajun Country Dirty Rice Delight
Experience the authentic taste of Cajun cuisine with our delicious Dirty Rice recipe. Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Lafayette, Louisiana, this dish combines the savory flavors of ground pork and chuck with a melody of vegetables and spices. A nostalgic nod to the vibrant school lunchrooms of the past, this dish is perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Rich in flavor but easy to prepare, it’s sure to transport you straight to the heart of Cajun Country.
20
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground pork
1
ground chuck
1
onions
2 (chopped)
green bell pepper
1 (chopped)
celery
1 (chopped)
garlic
2 (minced)
dark roux
1/2 (see recipe #47651)
cajun seasoning
1
salt
1
beef stock
6
Worcestershire sauce
2
bay leaves
2
dried thyme
1 (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
hot sauce
1
black pepper
1
parsley
1/4 (chopped)
green onion
1/2 (chopped)
cooked rice
15 (packed)
Instructions
1
Step 1: Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground pork and ground beef to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is evenly browned and no longer pink.
2
Step 2: Incorporate 1 cup of chopped onions, 1/2 cup of chopped green bell pepper, 1/2 cup of chopped celery, and the minced garlic into the pot, sautéing the mixture for about 2 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
3
Step 3: Stir in the dark roux, ensuring it is well combined with the meat and vegetables. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4
Step 4: Season the mixture with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then add the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, dried thyme, and hot sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5
Step 5: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld together.
6
Step 6: Add the remaining chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Cover the pot and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes.
7
Step 7: Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Stir in the chopped parsley and green onions, mixing them evenly throughout.
8
Step 8: Gradually fold in the cooked rice, ensuring it is fully incorporated and warmed through before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cajun Country Dirty Rice Delight?
It is an authentic Cajun dish inspired by the culinary traditions of Lafayette, Louisiana, featuring ground meat, vegetables, and rice.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 20 servings.
What types of meat are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 pound of ground pork and 1 pound of ground chuck.
What vegetables are included in the 'holy trinity' for this dish?
The dish includes chopped onions, green bell pepper, and celery.
How much cooked rice is required?
You will need 15 cups of packed cooked rice.
What kind of roux is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dark roux.
How much beef stock should I add?
The recipe requires 6 cups of beef stock.
How long does the mixture simmer in the first stage?
The mixture simmers uncovered for 30 minutes in the first stage.
How long is the second simmering period?
After adding the remaining vegetables, the pot is covered and simmered for another 30 minutes.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The main seasonings are Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, dried thyme, and hot sauce.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried thyme with 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme.
When do I add the parsley and green onions?
Stir in the chopped parsley and green onions after the simmering is complete and the bay leaves have been removed.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
What is the first step in preparing the meat?
Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the ground pork and beef until evenly browned and no longer pink.
Should the rice be added before or after simmering the liquid?
The cooked rice should be folded in gradually at the very end after the meat and vegetable mixture has finished simmering.
How much Cajun seasoning should I use?
Use 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
What is the purpose of the dark roux in this recipe?
The dark roux adds a deep, rich flavor and contributes to the characteristic 'dirty' color of the dish.
Is the pot covered during the entire simmering process?
No, it is simmered uncovered for the first 30 minutes and then covered for the final 30 minutes.
How much Worcestershire sauce is included?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
How much hot sauce is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of hot sauce.
When should the bay leaves be removed?
Remove the bay leaves after the second 30-minute simmer, before stirring in the herbs and rice.
What is the total amount of onions used?
A total of 2 cups of chopped onions are used, divided into two stages of cooking.
How much green bell pepper is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chopped green bell pepper.
How much celery is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped celery.
What type of ground beef is recommended?
Ground chuck is specifically recommended for this recipe.
How much parsley is added at the end?
Add 1/4 cup of chopped parsley.
How much green onion is used for the garnish?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped green onion.
Is this dish considered spicy?
With Cajun seasoning and hot sauce, it has a kick, but the spice level can be adjusted to preference.
What makes this 'dirty rice' authentic?
The use of ground meats, the Cajun trinity of vegetables, and a dark roux makes it a traditional Louisiana staple.
What is the suggested heat level for browning the meat?
The meat should be cooked over medium heat.