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A classic Louisiana comfort food featuring fluffy rice cooked with savory ground meat, finely chopped chicken livers, and the 'holy trinity' of onion, bell pepper, and celery. Packed with rich, deep flavors and a touch of Cajun spice, it's a hearty side or a delicious main course.
For 6 servings
Cook the Meats
Sauté the Holy Trinity
Combine and Toast Rice
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A classic Louisiana comfort food featuring fluffy rice cooked with savory ground meat, finely chopped chicken livers, and the 'holy trinity' of onion, bell pepper, and celery. Packed with rich, deep flavors and a touch of Cajun spice, it's a hearty side or a delicious main course.
This cajun_creole recipe takes 60 minutes to prepare and yields 6 servings. At 405.34 calories per serving with 19.22g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or side.
Simmer the Rice
Rest, Fluff, and Serve
Substitute the ground pork with ground beef, ground turkey, or finely diced andouille sausage for a different flavor profile.
For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and use finely chopped cremini mushrooms and crumbled firm tofu or lentils. Sauté the mushrooms until deeply browned to mimic the earthy flavor of the livers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the Cajun seasoning, or stir in a finely minced jalapeño with the holy trinity.
While long-grain white rice is traditional, you can experiment with brown rice. You will need to increase the broth amount and extend the simmering time according to the package directions.
The combination of ground pork and chicken livers provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and maintaining satiety.
Chicken livers are one of the best dietary sources of heme iron, a form that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for producing red blood cells and preventing anemia.
This dish is packed with B vitamins, especially Vitamin B12 and folate from the chicken livers. These vitamins are vital for energy metabolism, brain function, and nervous system health.
The term 'dirty' comes from the color the rice takes on from the finely minced chicken livers, ground meat, and spices cooked with it. These ingredients give the dish its signature rich, savory flavor and brownish hue.
Yes, you can, but it will lack the traditional depth of flavor and color. To substitute, you can use more ground pork or add finely chopped cremini mushrooms, which provide a similar earthy taste.
Dirty Rice is a hearty and satisfying dish rich in protein and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins. However, it can be high in sodium and fat. To make it healthier, use lean ground meat, low-sodium broth, and a salt-free Cajun seasoning blend.
A typical 1.5-cup serving of Dirty Rice contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, particularly the fat content of the ground pork.
It's versatile enough to be a main course but also serves as an excellent side dish. It pairs wonderfully with fried chicken, blackened fish, grilled shrimp, pork chops, or a side of collard greens and cornbread.
Store leftover Dirty Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture, or gently warm it in a skillet over low heat.