Description
Mexican Dirty Rice is a bold and flavorful fusion of traditional Mexican rice and Louisiana-style dirty rice. Packed with aromatic spices, tender vegetables, and savory pork sausage, this one-pot dish is smoky, slightly spicy, and utterly satisfying. Perfect as a side or a hearty meal on its own!
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ medium Roma tomatoes, diced
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- 1 lb pork sausage
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tbsp dried parsley (or 1 ½ tbsp fresh parsley)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice:
- Soak uncooked rice in warm water for 10 minutes.
- Strain and lay it on a towel to dry while preparing other ingredients.
- Toast the Rice:
- Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the dried rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns light brown (5-6 minutes).
- Make the Tomato Base:
- Blend tomatoes, ¼ of the onion, half of the celery, and garlic until smooth.
- Add the puree to the toasted rice and cook for about 3 minutes until absorbed.
- Cook the Rice:
- Pour in 1 ¾ cups chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 12-15 minutes until the broth is fully absorbed.
- Prepare the Sausage Mixture:
- In a separate skillet, heat the remaining 2 tbsp vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown the pork sausage, breaking it into small pieces.
- Add the remaining diced onion, celery, and bell pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in ½ cup chicken broth and all the spices, cooking for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine & Serve:
- Mix the flavorful sausage mixture with the cooked rice.
- Stir well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth for best results.
- Customization Ideas:
- Swap pork sausage for chorizo for extra spice.
- Use black beans or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Add shredded cheese for a creamy twist.
- Garnish with avocado slices, lime juice, and fresh cilantro for added freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American