Flavorful Cajun Rice Pilaf
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the South with this Flavorful Cajun Rice Pilaf, inspired by the delightful recipes from B. Mills & A. Ross' 'Desperation Dinners' column. This dish combines the heartiness of rice with the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning, smoky bacon bits, and savory vegetables like onions and celery, simmered to perfection in a rich chicken broth. Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying main course for busy weeknights, this easy-to-make recipe can be prepared effortlessly in a rice cooker, with stovetop instructions also included for your convenience. Enhance your dining experience with this dish that brings a taste of Louisiana to your table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
14 1/2 ounces (canned)
beef bouillon cube
1 (crumbled)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
bottled minced garlic
2 teaspoons (none)
cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
bacon bits
1/4 cup (none)
onion
1/2 small (diced)
celery rib
1 small (diced)
long grain rice
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Pour the chicken broth into your rice cooker.
2
Crumble the beef bouillon cube into a fine powder and add it to the broth.
3
Incorporate the olive oil, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper into the mixture.
4
Add the bacon bits, diced onion, and diced celery, followed by the long grain rice. Stir the mixture well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
5
Close the lid of the rice cooker and set it to cook. Allow the rice to cook until the machine automatically shuts off or switches to WARM mode, approximately 20-25 minutes.
6
Once the rice is cooked, open the rice cooker and gently stir the rice with a fork or the paddle utensil provided, fluffing it to separate the grains before serving.
7
STOVETOP INSTRUCTIONS: In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients except the rice. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and stir in the rice. Cover with a lid and allow to simmer until the rice is tender, about 17 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
8
NOTES: Feel free to enhance this dish by adding up to 1/3 cup of additional vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or cooked red beans.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flavorful Cajun Rice Pilaf?
It is a vibrant Southern-inspired dish that combines long grain rice with Cajun seasoning, smoky bacon, onion, and celery, cooked in a rich broth.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the 'Desperation Dinners' column by B. Mills & A. Ross.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients including the broth and seasonings.
Can I cook this in a rice cooker?
Yes, simply combine all ingredients in the rice cooker and cook until the machine shuts off or switches to WARM mode.
How do I cook Cajun Rice Pilaf on the stovetop?
Bring all ingredients except rice to a boil, then stir in the rice, cover, and simmer on low for about 17 minutes.
What type of rice should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of long grain rice.
What size chicken broth do I need?
You will need one 14 1/2 ounce can of chicken broth.
How much Cajun seasoning is required?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.
What vegetables are included?
The base recipe includes 1/2 of a small diced onion and one small diced celery rib.
Can I add extra vegetables to the pilaf?
Yes, you can add up to 1/3 cup of additional vegetables like bell peppers or red beans.
What provides the smoky flavor in this dish?
The 1/4 cup of bacon bits provides a smoky, savory flavor.
How do I prepare the beef bouillon cube?
The bouillon cube should be crumbled into a fine powder before being added to the broth.
What type of garlic is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 2 teaspoons of bottled minced garlic.
Is Worcestershire sauce used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce is added for extra depth of flavor.
How long does it take to cook in a rice cooker?
It typically takes approximately 20-25 minutes.
Should I fluff the rice after cooking?
Yes, you should gently stir and fluff the rice with a fork or paddle to separate the grains before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a side dish or as a satisfying main course for weeknight meals.
What oil is used for the pilaf?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used in the mixture.
How much black pepper is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
What is the serving suggestion for the onion?
The onion should be small and finely diced.
Does the recipe include red beans?
Red beans are an optional addition that can be added (up to 1/3 cup) to enhance the dish.
What is the preparation for the celery?
One small celery rib should be diced.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is savory and hearty with a spicy kick from the Cajun seasoning.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is designed as an easy-to-make recipe for busy weeknights.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of bottled?
While bottled is mentioned for convenience, fresh minced garlic can also be used.
Is there both chicken and beef flavoring in this rice?
Yes, it uses chicken broth as the base and a crumbled beef bouillon cube for extra richness.
What is the best way to separate the rice grains?
Using a fork to fluff the rice immediately after cooking helps separate the grains.
Does this recipe have any tags?
Yes, it is tagged as Cajun, rice pilaf, comfort food, and easy recipe.
Can I add bell peppers?
Yes, diced bell peppers make an excellent addition to the vegetable mix.
Is the rice cooker method easier?
The rice cooker method is considered effortless as the machine handles the timing automatically.