Dirty rice

Ingredients (6 servings)

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 lb ground beef, chicken livers, or sausage (traditional dirty rice uses livers, but you can mix with beef for balance)
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil or butter
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne (optional, for heat)
• 2 tsp Creole or Cajun seasoning
• 2 cups chicken stock
• Salt to taste
• 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the rice
   • Rinse rice and cook it in lightly salted water until fluffy. Set aside.
2. Prepare the meat mixture
   • In a large skillet or pot, heat oil/butter.
   • Add ground meat (and chicken livers if using). Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
3. Build the flavor base
   • Add onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the meat.
   • Sauté until vegetables are soft and fragrant.
4. Season well
   • Stir in paprika, thyme, oregano, black pepper, cayenne, and Creole seasoning.
   • Add chicken stock and simmer for 5–7 minutes until flavors blend.
5. Combine with rice
   • Add cooked rice to the skillet.
   • Stir well so the rice absorbs all the flavor and turns slightly “dirty” in color.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Finish and serve
   • Garnish with green onions and parsley.
   • Serve hot as a main dish or alongside fried chicken, grilled meat, or vegetables.