Description
This flavorful Cajun Rice recipe combines aromatic vegetables, bold spices, and tender long-grain white rice cooked to perfection in a savory broth. It’s a comforting and vibrant side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled proteins or can serve as the base for a hearty Cajun-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (green or red), finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
Spices and Seasonings
- 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
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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 are softened and fragrant.
- Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add the Rice and Spices: Add the rice to the pan, stirring to coat the grains with 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 ingredients evenly.
- Add the Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains, then remove and discard the bay leaf. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Cajun rice immediately as a vibrant side dish with grilled chicken, shrimp, or your preferred Cajun-style protein. It also works well as a base for one-pot meals with additional ingredients.
Notes
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
- Ensure the rice is not stirred during simmering to prevent it from becoming gummy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
