**Aromatic Cajun Rice Pilaf: A Culinary Journey to Louisiana**
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Louisiana with this aromatic Cajun rice pilaf. This classic dish combines long-grain rice, the "holy trinity" of Cajun cuisine (onion, celery, and bell pepper), and an array of aromatic spices, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying side dish. The addition of Cajun seasoning, with its blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and other herbs, adds a distinct spicy and smoky flavor. Whether served as a main course or as an accompaniment to your favorite protein, this Cajun rice pilaf is sure to impress your taste buds. This recipe includes variations for a vegetarian or vegan version, as well as a spicy version for those who crave a little extra heat. So, embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Louisiana with this delectable Cajun rice pilaf.
CAJUN-STYLE RICE PILAF
Steps:
- Boil sausage in 1/4 cup water for 5 minutes. While the sausage is boiling, remove the shells from the shrimp. Put shells and tails in 2 cups of water. Bring shrimp water to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Grill the sausage links for about 5 minutes or until they are completely cooked through. Brush the shrimp with 1/2 tablespoon oil and grill about 2 minutes per side. Pull off and set aside.
- Heat a medium pot on medium high heat and add vegetable oil, onions, and red pepper. Saute for 3 to 4 minutes or until the onions are translucent. Add Cajun seasoning and rice; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add the Syrah Rose, stir for a few seconds, and strain the shrimp stock into the pot. Once it comes to a boil, turn the heat down to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, chop the shrimp and sausage into bite-sized pieces.
- Once rice is done, add peas, shrimp, and sausage and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through. Add salt and pepper to your taste. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 530.4 calories, Carbohydrate 44.4 g, Cholesterol 194.5 mg, Fat 23.8 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 29.9 g, SaturatedFat 5.9 g, Sodium 948.5 mg, Sugar 2.8 g
CAJUN RICE PILAF
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 45m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 0
Steps:
- Cook 1 cup wild rice blend in boiling salted water until tender, about 40 minutes; drain. Brown 3 ounces each ground pork and chopped andouille sausage in 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 chopped red bell pepper, 2 chopped celery stalks and 1 tablespoon chopped thyme and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 7 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, the cooked rice and 1 bunch chopped scallions and cook, stirring, 3 minutes. Season with salt.
- Per serving: Calories: 214; Total Fat: 10 grams; Saturated Fat: 2.5 grams; Protein: 9 grams; Total carbohydrates: 23 grams; Sugar: 2 grams; Fiber: 3 grams; Cholesterol: 19 milligrams;
- Sodium: 324 milligrams
Nutrition Facts : Calories 214 calorie, Fat 10 grams, SaturatedFat 2.5 grams, Cholesterol 19 milligrams, Sodium 324 milligrams, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 9 grams, Sugar 2 grams
CAJUN RICE PILAF (RICE COOKER)
Recipe is from B. Mills & A. Ross' "Desperation Dinners" column in the {Raleigh NC) News & Observer. Posting b/c I want to be able to find the recipe.... sounds delicious! NOTE: Stove top instructions are included in the recipe.
Provided by Impera_Magna
Categories Rice
Time 30m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Pour chicken broth into rice cooker.
- Crumble bouillon cube to a powder and add to broth.
- Add olive oil, garlic, Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire, and pepper.
- Add bacon bits, diced onion, diced celery, and rice. Stir well.
- Turn rice cooker on ad cook until machine shuts off (or shifts to WARM mode) and rice is tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Stir and fluff rice with fork (or paddle utensil provided with rice cooker) and serve.
- STOVETOP INSTRUCTIONS: Add all ingredients, except rice, to medium saucepan and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, add rice, cover, and cook until rice is tender, appx 17 minutes. Stir and fluff rice with fork and serve.
- NOTES: You may add up to 1/3 c additional veggies, such as diced bell peppers or cooked red beans.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 255.4, Fat 6.6, SaturatedFat 1.5, Cholesterol 5.8, Sodium 731.7, Carbohydrate 39.6, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 1.2, Protein 7.9
RICE PILAF WITH A CAJUN/CREOLE TWIST
First off, this is not what is commonly called "Dirty Rice." It uses a long-grain white rice (but you could use brown), a bit of Cajun spice, and the Holy Trinity of Cajun and Louisiana Creole cuisines (bell pepper, onion, and celery). This is one of my favorite ways to jazz up some plain rice and it makes an excellent side...
Provided by Andy Anderson !
Categories Casseroles
Time 40m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- 1. Gather your ingredients
- 2. Add the butter, and olive oil to a large skillet, sitting over medium heat.
- 3. Chef's Note: This pan will need a tight fitting lid, and be able to hold all of the ingredients.
- 4. When the foaming subsides, add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic.
- 5. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies begin to soften.
- 6. Chef's Tip: We don't want the veggies to fully cook, because in the next step, we're going to add the rice, and they'll get another 5 minutes of cooking time.
- 7. Add the rice to the pan.
- 8. Continue to sauté until the rice begins to slightly brown, about another 5 minutes.
- 9. Chef's Note: It's not really necessary that the rice browns all much... another 5 minutes is all you can spare here. Keep the rice moving in the pan, and don't let it stick to the bottom.
- 10. Add the parsley, and creole seasoning, plus the salt and black pepper (to taste).
- 11. Stir to incorporate the spices.
- 12. Chef's Note: Two of my favorite pre-packaged seasonings are: Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning, and another one called: Slap Yo Mama. But, if you're like me, here's my recipe for a good Creole spice mix, that has good heat that builds.
- 13. Andy's Creole Spice Mix: One teaspoon each: chili powder, ground oregano, dried thyme, ground white pepper, cracked peppercorns, crushed pepper flakes, and kosher salt. Two tablespoons each: sweet paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Plus one or two bay leaves. Combine all the ingredients in a spice blender, and grind until fine. It will store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 months.
- 14. Add the chicken stock to the pan, and then reduce the heat to low.
- 15. Chef's Tip: You can use water in place of chicken stock; but I would really recommend the stock. It brings the flavor of this humble rice dish to a whole new level. In addition, because of the high sodium content of broths; if you decide to use a broth (instead of a stock), then eliminate the kosher salt from recipe.
- 16. Cover the pan, and allow the rice to simmer lightly for 20 minutes.
- 17. Chef's Note: Be careful about the heat. Since the sauté pan will be on the stovetop for 20 minutes, if the temp is too high, it will burn the rice on the bottom of the pan.
- 18. After twenty minutes, remove the lid and check the rice. The liquid should be nicely absorbed into the rice. If not, cover and give it a few more minutes.
- 19. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork and serve with your favorite protein.
- 20. Chef's Note: If you want to make this a one-dish meal, try adding some sausage (your choice), maybe some cubed ham, chopped chicken (pre cooked), or whatever protein you desire... how about all of them. Enjoy
- 21. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Starting with the best possible ingredients will ensure that your pilaf is flavorful and delicious. Look for fresh vegetables, high-quality rice, and flavorful spices.
- Rinse the rice: Rinsing the rice before cooking helps to remove any starch and impurities, resulting in a fluffier pilaf.
- Toast the rice: Toasting the rice in a little bit of oil before adding the liquid helps to bring out its flavor and give the pilaf a nutty aroma.
- Use a flavorful cooking liquid: The cooking liquid is what will give your pilaf its flavor, so choose something flavorful like broth or stock. You can also add other liquids like wine or coconut milk for a different flavor profile.
- Season the pilaf: Be generous with the seasonings when making pilaf. Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper are all essential, but you can also add other herbs and spices to your taste.
- Let the pilaf rest: After cooking, let the pilaf rest for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This will help the rice to absorb the cooking liquid and prevent it from becoming mushy.
Conclusion:
Cajun rice pilaf is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or a main course. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like it spicy, mild, or somewhere in between, Cajun rice pilaf is sure to please everyone at your table.
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