Description
This Cajun Rice recipe is a flavorful and vibrant side dish that combines sautéed bell peppers and onions with aromatic spices and tender long-grain white rice, all simmered to perfection in a savory chicken broth. Perfect for adding a spicy, Southern-inspired touch to your meals, this dish is easy to prepare and serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- ½ red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- ½ green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- ½ yellow onion, diced
Liquids
- â…“ cup unsalted butter
- 3 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Main Ingredient
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced red and green bell peppers along with the diced yellow onion. Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Season and Boil: To the sautéed vegetables, add the low-sodium chicken broth, kosher salt, garlic powder, ground thyme, ground paprika, black pepper, and the bay leaf. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a rolling boil on the stovetop.
- Add Rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice thoroughly to combine all flavors. Cover the saucepan with a lid to prepare for simmering.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the rice cook gently for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Avoid lifting the lid while cooking to maintain the steam.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes. After resting, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Serve warm and enjoy your Cajun Rice!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning step.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Ensure the rice is rinsed if you prefer less starch and a fluffier texture.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as a filling for stuffed peppers.
- Leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
