Description
This flavorful Cajun Rice recipe combines aromatic vegetables and spices with tender long-grain rice, simmered to perfection in a fragrant broth. Perfect as a vibrant side dish or a base for your favorite Cajun-inspired meals, it offers a delicious taste of the South in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (green or red)
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Rice and Seasonings
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids and Garnish
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large saucepan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened and released their flavors.
- Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t brown or burn to maintain its delicate flavor.
- Add the Rice and Spices: Add the long-grain white rice to the pan, stirring to coat each grain in the oil and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, ground thyme, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all spices evenly with the rice.
- Add the Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let the rice simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a bright finish.
- Serve: Present the flavorful Cajun rice as a savory side dish alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or your preferred Cajun-style protein. Alternatively, use it as a hearty base for one-pot meals.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the spice level according to your taste.
- For extra depth, try adding diced smoked sausage or cooked shrimp as an enhancement.
- Using a tight-fitting lid aids in even cooking and prevents moisture loss while simmering.
- Letting the rice rest off the heat helps it absorb any remaining liquid and improves texture.
