Savannah Style Red Rice Delight
Savor the rich and robust flavors of Southern cuisine with this Savannah Style Red Rice Delight. This recipe combines crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice, all enveloped in a savory tomato sauce. It's an easy yet impressive dish that showcases the best of Southern comfort food and is perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a hearty family meal. The unique blend of spices and the kick from Tabasco sauce will make this dish a favorite at your table.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
1/4 lb (Crispy and crumbled)
Onion (Vidalia)
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Celery
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Green Pepper
1/4 cup (Seeded and chopped)
Rice
2 cups (Uncooked)
Tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can (Pureed)
Salt
3 teaspoons (To taste)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (Granulated)
Tabasco Sauce
1/8 teaspoon (As per preference)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Once done, remove the bacon from the pan, allowing it to cool before crumbling it into small pieces. Reserve the bacon grease in the pan.
2
Add the chopped onion, celery, and green pepper to the pan with the reserved bacon grease. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat until they are tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the uncooked rice, pureed tomatoes, crumbled bacon, salt, pepper, sugar, and Tabasco sauce into the sautéed vegetables. Mix well and cook on the stovetop for an additional 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.
4
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5
Carefully transfer the rice mixture into a large, greased casserole dish. Spread it evenly, cover tightly with aluminum foil or a lid, and bake in the oven for 1 hour.
6
Once baked, remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve hot, enjoying the comforting taste of Savannah!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savannah Style Red Rice Delight?
It is a classic Southern comfort dish featuring rice cooked with crispy bacon, sautéed vegetables, and a savory tomato base.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked rice; long-grain white rice is traditionally used for its ability to stay fluffy.
Can I use a different type of onion besides Vidalia?
Yes, while Vidalia onions add a signature sweetness, any yellow or white onion will work as a substitute.
Do I need to cook the rice before baking?
No, the rice is added uncooked to the mixture and then bakes for an hour to reach the perfect consistency.
How do I prepare the tomatoes?
You should use a 16-ounce can of tomatoes and puree them until smooth before adding them to the rice mixture.
Is the Tabasco sauce very spicy?
The recipe calls for only 1/8 teaspoon, which provides a very mild kick. You can adjust this to your personal preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the vegetables, though you will lose the smoky flavor of the bacon grease.
What is the purpose of the sugar in this recipe?
A small amount of sugar (1 teaspoon) helps balance the acidity of the pureed tomatoes.
How long does it take to bake?
The rice needs to bake in a 350°F oven for exactly 1 hour.
Should I cover the dish while baking?
Yes, it is essential to cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid to trap steam and cook the rice.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
Can I add other vegetables to the mix?
While the recipe calls for onion, celery, and green pepper, some variations include garlic or carrots for extra depth.
What should I do with the bacon grease?
The bacon grease should be reserved in the pan and used to sauté the vegetables for maximum flavor.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can puree fresh tomatoes, but ensure you have approximately 16 ounces of liquid for the rice to absorb.
What is the best way to serve Savannah Red Rice?
It is best served hot as a side dish or a hearty main course, often paired with fried fish or chicken.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the standard ingredients in this recipe (rice, bacon, vegetables, tomatoes) are naturally gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze this rice dish?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How do I reheat the red rice?
Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Can I use brown rice instead?
Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, so adjustments would be needed to the 1-hour baking period.
What temperature should the oven be?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Do I need to grease the casserole dish?
Yes, use a large, greased casserole dish to prevent the rice from sticking to the sides.
What kind of green pepper is used?
A standard green bell pepper, seeded and chopped, is used for this recipe.
Can I add more meat to this recipe?
Many people enjoy adding smoked sausage or shrimp to make it a more substantial meal.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of salt, but you can adjust this to your taste preference.
Is this dish related to Spanish rice?
It is similar in appearance but uses different flavor profiles, specifically focusing on Lowcountry Southern ingredients like bacon and celery.
Can I make this on the stovetop only?
While you start it on the stovetop for 10 minutes, the 1-hour bake is crucial for the rice to absorb all the flavors properly.
How do I prevent the rice from being mushy?
Ensure you use the correct ratio of 2 cups rice to a 16-ounce can of tomatoes and don't over-stir during the final stages.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but you may need two casserole dishes or a very large baking pan to ensure even cooking.
What category of food is this?
This is a Southern rice dish, often categorized as Lowcountry cuisine or a hearty side dish.