**Introducing the Savory and Aromatic Rice Pilaf with a Cajun-Creole Twist**
Embark on a culinary journey to Louisiana with this delectable Rice Pilaf infused with the vibrant flavors of Cajun and Creole cuisine. This dish is a harmonious blend of long-grain rice, aromatic vegetables, savory spices, and the holy trinity of Cajun cooking: onions, bell peppers, and celery. The addition of Cajun seasoning, smoked sausage, and juicy shrimp elevates this pilaf to a flavorful masterpiece. Alongside the classic Rice Pilaf recipe, this article also presents enticing variations, including a vegetarian option and a seafood extravaganza. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this medley of rice dishes, each offering a unique twist on the classic pilaf.
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
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.
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 CREOLE STYLE RICE
Make and share this Cajun Creole Style Rice recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Shawn C
Categories Rice
Time 40m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- saute vegetables in butter over medium heat until soft.
- add all other ingredients and stir well bring to a boil reduce the heat and cover.
- turn heat to low for 25 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 295.7, Fat 4.4, SaturatedFat 2.5, Cholesterol 10.2, Sodium 190.8, Carbohydrate 58.4, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 4.4, Protein 5.4
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients. The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your rice pilaf will taste. Look for long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine, and use a flavorful broth or stock.
- Toast the rice before cooking. This helps to bring out the flavor of the rice and prevent it from sticking together.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot. This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the rice from burning.
- Cook the rice over low heat. This will help to prevent the rice from overcooking and becoming mushy.
- Let the rice rest before serving. This allows the rice to absorb all of the flavors from the broth and seasonings.
Conclusion:
This Cajun-Creole rice pilaf is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful blend of spices, vegetables, and rice, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you're looking for a tasty and versatile side dish, give this recipe a try.
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