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Dirty Rice

Deeply savory and warmly-spiced classic Dirty Rice is one of the best New Orleans side dish recipes. Discover how to make homemade Dirty Rice in a Dutch oven; no plane ticket to Louisiana required.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 8 servings, 1-cup each
Calories: 166 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 8 ounces ground pork
  • 1 onion finely chopped (see note 1)
  • 1 red bell pepper stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
  • 1 celery rib minced
  • 4 ounces chicken liver rinsed, trimmed, and finely chopped (see note 2)
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 1/4 cups chicken broth (see note 3)
  • 1/ 1/2 cups long-grain white rice rinsed (see note 4)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 scallions thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat oil until shimmering. Add pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, breaking up any clumps of meat.
  2. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery, and cook until softened, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add chicken livers (if using), garlic, salt, thyme, and cayenne, and continue to cook until chicken livers are browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer meat mixture to a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl and cover with foil to keep warm.
  3. Return Dutch oven to heat and add broth, rice and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low cover and cook until rice is tender, about 15 to 17 minutes. Remove pot from heat and discard bay leaves. Fluff rice with a fork and return the meat mixture to the pot, discarding any accumulated juices. Gently stir to ocmbine. Garnish with scallions and serve.

Notes

  • Onion, red bell pepper, celery: Together, this trio is known as the "Holy Trinity" and is the base of many classic Cajun and Louisiana Creole recipes.
  • Chicken livers: Dirty Rice is traditionally made with chicken livers (in fact, this ingredient gives the rice dish its "dirty" name), but you can omit it entirely. Or substitute 4 ounces of ground beef or ground pork if you'd prefer.
  • Chicken broth: Start with your favorite store-bought brand. Feeling ambitious? Opt for Homemade Chicken Broth instead.
  • Long-grain white rice: Yes, I know it can sound fussy to rinse the rice first, but it's worth the extra few seconds. Simply transfer 1 1/2 cups rice to a strainer and gently shake it under running water for 15 to 30 seconds. This will remove the starch on the surface of the rice, which, if kept in place, can lead to gummy results once cooked.
  • Yield: This homemade Dirty Rice recipe yields eight 1-cup servings, ideal as a side dish. Or split it into four 2-cup servings; the the protein from the pork and livers, this is definitely hearty enough to act as a main dish with a generous portion.
  • Storage: Allow the Dirty Rice to cool, transfer to an airtight container, then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Allow the Dirty Rice to cool, transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. 

Nutrition Information

Serving 1cup Calories 166kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 13g (4%) Protein 9g (18%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 3g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 69mg (23%) Sodium 562mg (23%) Potassium 252mg (7%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 2116IU (42%) Vitamin C 29mg (32%) Calcium 23mg (2%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings, 1-cup each

Amount Per Serving

Calories 166

% Daily Value*

Serving 1cup
Calories 166kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Protein 9g 18%
Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g 15%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 69mg 23%
Sodium 562mg 23%
Potassium 252mg 5%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 2116IU 42%
Vitamin C 29mg 32%
Calcium 23mg 2%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.