Smoky Meat Lover's Dirty Rice
Transform your dinner into a hearty adventure with this Smoky Meat Lover's Dirty Rice, where rich flavors of succulent meats come together in a single pot. This recipe features tender pieces of chicken thigh, savory sweet Italian sausage, succulent pulled pork, and diced ham—each contributing to a symphony of taste. The use of pureed chicken livers adds a distinctive depth, offering a savory twist that makes this dish unforgettable. Ideal for gatherings, this culinary masterpiece captures the essence of Louisiana's Creole influence with a spicy kick from jalapeños and a vibrant medley of vegetables. Don't miss out on this warm, comforting, one-dish meal that promises to impress both family and friends alike, inspired by the celebrated Dinosaur BBQ culinary lifestyle.
N/A
Servings
700
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/3 cup (used for cooking)
onions
2 cups (chopped)
green pepper
1 cup (chopped)
jalapeno pepper
1-2 (seeded and minced)
kosher salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
chicken thigh
1/2 lb (boneless & skinless, cut into 2-inch cubes)
sweet Italian sausage
1 lb (crumbled)
ham
1/4 lb (cooked, cut into strips or cubes)
pork
1/4 lb (cooked, shredded or diced)
chicken liver
1/2 lb (pureed in a food processor)
chicken broth
3 cups (or stock)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for flavor)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
long-grain rice
1 1/2 cups (parboiled, preferably Uncle Ben's)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onions, green peppers, and minced jalapeño peppers to the pot and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Introduce minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Add the cubed chicken thighs to the mixture. Stir well to coat the chicken in the vegetable mixture and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
5
Crumble the sweet Italian sausage into the pot, continuing to cook while stirring until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
6
Stir in the diced ham and shredded cooked pork, mixing thoroughly.
7
Incorporate the pureed chicken liver, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
8
Pour in the chicken broth and add cayenne pepper, ground cumin, dried oregano, and the bay leaf. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
9
Add the parboiled rice, ensuring it is submerged in the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
10
Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer undisturbed for 20 minutes.
11
After 20 minutes, remove the pot from heat and take out the bay leaf. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to combine the flavors before serving.
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
83g
Carbs
47g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Meat Lover's Dirty Rice?
It is a hearty, one-pot meal inspired by Louisiana's Creole influence, featuring multiple types of meat, vegetables, and parboiled rice.
What meats are included in this dirty rice recipe?
The recipe features chicken thighs, sweet Italian sausage, cooked ham, shredded pork, and pureed chicken livers.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 700 calories.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, it is very protein-rich, providing about 47g of protein per serving.
Why are chicken livers used in this recipe?
Pureed chicken livers provide the traditional 'dirty' appearance and add a distinctive, savory depth to the flavor profile.
What kind of rice is recommended?
Long-grain parboiled rice, such as Uncle Ben's, is preferred for this recipe to ensure the grains stay separate.
Is this dirty rice spicy?
It has a spicy kick from minced jalapeños and cayenne pepper, but the heat level can be adjusted to your preference.
Can I use chicken stock instead of chicken broth?
Yes, chicken stock or chicken broth can be used interchangeably in this recipe.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should simmer undisturbed for 20 minutes after the mixture reaches a boil.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 23g of fat per serving.
How should the chicken livers be prepared?
The chicken livers should be pureed in a food processor before being added to the pot.
What vegetables are needed for this dish?
You will need chopped onions, green peppers, minced jalapeño peppers, and minced garlic.
What is the best way to cook this meal?
Using a large Dutch oven is recommended for even heat distribution and one-pot convenience.
How do I prepare the chicken thighs?
Use boneless and skinless chicken thighs cut into 2-inch cubes.
What gives this dish its smoky flavor?
The combination of cooked meats like pulled pork and ham, along with specific spices, creates a rich, smoky profile.
Should I remove the bay leaf before serving?
Yes, remove the bay leaf after the simmering process is complete and before fluffing the rice.
Can I substitute the sweet Italian sausage?
Yes, you can use spicy Italian sausage or Andouille sausage if you prefer a different flavor or more heat.
How do I ensure the rice is fluffy?
Gently fluff the rice with a fork after it has finished simmering and the pot has been removed from the heat.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
There are 83g of carbohydrates per serving.
What spices are used in the seasoning?
The recipe uses kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, and dried oregano.
Is the pork added raw?
No, the recipe calls for 1/4 lb of cooked pork, which can be shredded or diced.
How do I prepare the jalapeños?
The jalapeños should be seeded and minced before being sautéed with the other vegetables.
What is the recommended amount of olive oil?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables and meats.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, dirty rice often tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
What is the origin of the recipe style?
This recipe is inspired by the Dinosaur BBQ culinary lifestyle and Louisiana's Creole traditions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
What size should the ham be cut?
The cooked ham should be cut into strips or small cubes.
Do I need to stir the rice while it simmers?
No, the pot should remain covered and undisturbed for the full 20-minute simmering period.
Is this a good meal for gatherings?
Yes, its hearty nature and one-pot preparation make it an ideal dish for serving family and friends.
What is the role of garlic in this recipe?
Minced garlic is added after the vegetables have softened to provide fragrance and a base layer of flavor.