Savannah Spicy Red Rice Delight
Savannah Spicy Red Rice Delight is a vibrant and flavorful dish that will transport you straight to the heart of the South. This hearty side dish is beautifully complemented by the smokiness of bacon, the bold flavors of Creole seasoning, and the richness of tomatoes. It's versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own, paired with a fresh salad, or enhanced with succulent cooked shrimp for a filling main course. A classic that’s perfect for family gatherings or any occasion where comfort food is a must!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
6 slices (Fried and crumbled)
Onion
1 medium (Chopped)
Green Pepper
1 medium (Chopped)
Garlic
2 cloves (Minced)
Crushed Tomatoes
16 ounces (Canned)
Tomato Sauce
8 ounces (Canned)
Creole Seasoning
3 teaspoons (N/A)
Kielbasa
1/2 lb (Chopped)
Rice
1 cup (Cooked and cooled)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, fry the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place on paper towels to drain. Crumble the bacon into small pieces once cooled.
2
In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add the chopped onion, green pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
3
Stir in the Creole seasoning and allow it to cook for an additional 2 minutes, enhancing the flavors.
4
Add the crumbled bacon, chopped kielbasa, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
5
In a large bowl, gradually incorporate the cooked and cooled rice into the tomato mixture, mixing until all the rice is well-coated and combined with the sauce.
6
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savannah Spicy Red Rice Delight?
It is a vibrant and flavorful southern-style rice dish featuring bacon, kielbasa, and a rich tomato base.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What is the main seasoning used for the spicy flavor?
Creole seasoning is the primary ingredient used to provide its bold and spicy profile.
Can I add seafood to this dish?
Yes, it can be enhanced with succulent cooked shrimp for a filling main course.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the rice need to bake?
The rice should bake in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes until heated through.
Should the baking pan be covered?
Yes, cover the baking pan with aluminum foil before putting it in the oven.
What size baking pan is recommended?
A greased 9x13 inch baking pan is ideal for this recipe.
How much kielbasa is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 pound of chopped kielbasa.
Do I need to cook the rice before mixing it with the sauce?
Yes, the rice should be cooked and cooled before being incorporated into the tomato mixture.
What kind of tomato products are required?
You will need 16 ounces of crushed tomatoes and 8 ounces of tomato sauce.
How many slices of bacon are used?
The recipe uses 6 slices of bacon.
What should I do with the bacon fat?
The bacon fat should be reserved in the skillet to sauté the onion, green pepper, and garlic.
How long should the tomato mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for about 1 hour to allow flavors to develop.
What vegetables are needed for the base?
You will need one medium chopped onion, one medium chopped green pepper, and two minced garlic cloves.
Is this dish considered a main course or a side dish?
It is primarily a hearty side dish, but it can be served as a main course with added protein like shrimp.
How much Creole seasoning should I add?
The recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of Creole seasoning.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to fry the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What do I do with the bacon after frying?
Drain it on paper towels and crumble it into small pieces once cooled.
How long do I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onion, green pepper, and garlic for about 5-7 minutes.
When do I add the Creole seasoning to the skillet?
Stir it in after the vegetables are tender and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Can I substitute the kielbasa?
While kielbasa is traditional, you can substitute other smoked sausages if desired.
What is the best way to incorporate the rice?
Gradually incorporate the rice into the tomato mixture in a large bowl, mixing until well-coated.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a classic dish perfect for family gatherings and comfort food lovers.
What type of pepper is used in this recipe?
One medium green pepper is used.
How much rice is required?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of rice, measured as cooked and cooled.
Does the recipe require a specific type of skillet?
A large skillet is recommended to accommodate the frying and simmering process.
Can I serve this with a salad?
Yes, the dish is beautifully complemented by a fresh salad.
What makes this dish 'Savannah' style?
The combination of rice, tomatoes, and southern aromatics is a staple of Lowcountry and Savannah cuisine.