Savory Cajun Rice Pilaf with Sausage and Liver
Delight your taste buds with this hearty, flavorful Cajun Rice Pilaf featuring savory sausage and rich chicken liver. Perfect for family gatherings or as a standout dish at any potluck, this recipe brings together aromas and flavors of the Cajun South in every bite. Laced with aromatic vegetables and a hint of spice, it's a comforting dish that is sure to impress.
6
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork sausage
0.5 (ground)
chicken liver
0.5 (cooked and ground)
green pepper
1 (diced)
celery
3 (diced)
green onion
0.5 cup (diced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
rice
2 cups (uncooked)
chicken broth
4.5 cups (none)
cajun seasoning
2 teaspoons (none)
Tabasco sauce
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
1. In a large, deep skillet, brown the ground pork sausage over medium heat. Once cooked, drain any excess grease.
2
2. Add the diced green pepper, diced celery, diced green onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned sausage. Sauté the vegetables until they're softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3
3. Stir in the cooked and ground chicken livers, uncooked rice, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and Tabasco sauce to taste. Mix everything well to ensure that the rice is fully incorporated with the other ingredients.
4
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the mixture simmer. Cook until the rice is tender, and all the liquid is absorbed, approximately 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
5. Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and fluff the rice lightly with a fork. Let it sit for a few minutes, covered, to allow the flavors to meld.
6
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional green onion if desired.
Nutrition Information
13.3g
Fat
32g
Carbs
11.7g
Protein
1.7g
Fiber
783mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cajun Rice Pilaf with Sausage and Liver?
It is a hearty Southern dish featuring ground pork sausage, rich chicken liver, aromatic vegetables, and Cajun spices mixed with rice.
What kind of sausage is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 0.5 lbs of ground pork sausage for the best flavor and texture.
How should the chicken liver be prepared?
The chicken liver should be cooked and ground before being stirred into the rice mixture.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will likely need to increase the chicken broth and the cooking time significantly.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This Cajun Rice Pilaf recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
Is this rice pilaf spicy?
It has a hint of spice from the Cajun seasoning and Tabasco sauce, which can be adjusted to your preference.
What aromatic vegetables are used in this dish?
The recipe uses green pepper, celery, green onion, and minced garlic.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes until tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Should I drain the fat from the sausage?
Yes, after browning the ground pork sausage, you should drain any excess grease.
What type of broth is recommended?
The recipe calls for 4.5 cups of chicken broth to cook the rice.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 11.7 grams of protein per serving.
Can I make this dish without chicken liver?
While the liver adds a traditional rich flavor, you can omit it if you prefer, though the taste profile will change.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 13.3 grams of fat.
How much sodium is in this recipe?
One serving contains approximately 783mg of sodium.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, its hearty nature and flavorful profile make it a standout dish for family gatherings or potlucks.
What should I do after the rice is finished cooking?
Remove it from the heat, fluff it lightly with a fork, and let it sit covered for a few minutes.
How much rice is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of uncooked rice.
Can I use a different type of liver?
Chicken liver is preferred for its mild flavor, but pork liver could be used as a substitute.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
Yes, each serving provides about 1.7 grams of fiber.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
Garnish with additional sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
How much Cajun seasoning is required?
The recipe suggests using 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning.
What type of cookware is best?
A large, deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid is ideal for browning and simmering.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Keep the heat at medium-low while simmering and stir occasionally.
Can I substitute the Tabasco sauce?
Yes, any hot sauce of your choice or a pinch of cayenne pepper can be used instead.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 32 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and a classic example of Southern cuisine.
Can I add more garlic?
Certainly; if you enjoy a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to add more than the 2 cloves listed.
Does the recipe contain sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this savory rice dish.
Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, beef broth can be used for a deeper, darker color and a slightly different savory note.