Charleston Red Rice Recipe

 

Ingredients:

• 3 strips bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (use jalapeño for a spicier version)
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1.5 cups long grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained (fire-roasted tomatoes are preferred)
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups chicken broth, warmed
• Hot sauce to taste (use a Louisiana-style hot sauce)
• Freshly chopped parsley and red pepper flakes for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the chicken broth in a small pot over low heat until warm.
2. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve the bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the butter and rice to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Bring the rice mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed all of the liquid. Do not stir the rice while it is cooking.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
8. Stir the reserved bacon into the rice. Fluff with a fork and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Notes:

• Andouille sausage is a nice addition to this recipe. To use it, brown 8 ounces sliced andouille with the bacon, reserve it with the bacon, then add it back in when you simmer the rice.
• This recipe serves 8 people as a side dish.

Safety guidelines:

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw meat.
• Cook the bacon and sausage until they are browned and cooked through.
• Cook the rice until it is cooked through and has absorbed all of the liquid.
• Be careful when handling hot liquids.
• Enjoy!