Cajun Rice Recipe

Introduction

Cajun Rice is a flavorful and comforting side dish that brings a touch of Southern spice to your meal. With a vibrant mix of bell peppers and aromatic seasonings, this recipe is simple to prepare and pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 3 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/2 cup long-grain white rice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the butter to a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Melt the butter without burning it, then add the diced red and green bell peppers along with the diced yellow onion. Stir to coat and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
2. Step 2: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the Kosher salt, garlic powder, ground thyme, paprika, black pepper, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Step 3: Stir in the rice, cover the saucepan with a lid, and reduce the heat to maintain a simmer.
4. Step 4: Let the rice simmer for 20-25 minutes until it is fully cooked and tender. Once done, keep the rice covered and set aside for 10 minutes to rest.
5. Step 5: Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Cajun Rice!

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
• Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
• Add diced celery or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat and texture.
• Serve with grilled chicken or seafood to enhance the Cajun experience.

Storage

Store leftover Cajun Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Stir well before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust simmering time and broth quantity accordingly, usually about 40-45 minutes with extra broth.

Is it okay to use regular salt instead of Kosher salt?

You can use regular table salt, but reduce the amount by about half since it’s more concentrated than Kosher salt to avoid over-salting.

Cajun Rice Recipe

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5 from 86 reviews

This flavorful Cajun Rice recipe combines sautéed bell peppers and onions with aromatic spices and long-grain white rice simmered in low-sodium chicken broth, creating a tender and tasty side dish perfect for any Cajun-inspired meal.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

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Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced

Dairy

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter

Liquids and Broth

• 3 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf

Grains

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice

Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, taking care not to burn it. Once the butter has melted, add the diced red and green bell peppers along with the diced yellow onion. Stir to coat the vegetables and sauté them for 5 to 7 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
2. Add Broth and Spices: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then add kosher salt, garlic powder, ground thyme, ground paprika, black pepper, and the bay leaf. Stir to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Add Rice and Simmer: Once boiling, add the long-grain white rice to the saucepan and stir well. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
4. Cook Rice: Allow the rice to cook undisturbed for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure proper cooking.
5. Rest and Fluff: Remove the saucepan from heat and keep it covered. Let the rice rest for 10 minutes to finish steaming. After resting, remove the bay leaf and fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Cajun Rice!

Notes

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Feel free to add cooked sausage or shrimp for a heartier meal.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use olive oil instead of butter.
• To enhance the Cajun flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.
• Make sure to let the rice rest after cooking to achieve fluffy texture.

Keywords: Cajun rice, Cajun side dish, seasoned rice, bell pepper rice, spicy rice