Dirty Rice

Description

This is a cajun classic. Dirty rice is basically a rice pilaf that is called dirty because it's cooked with minced chicken livers or gizzards. Don't run away now! The rice doesn't taste like liver, it just deepens the flavor of the rice and the crispy bits are so small you won't really notice them. You have a choice of using green bell peppers or jalapenos, depending on your heat tolerance. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• Long-grain Rice
• Chicken Broth
• Water
• Vegetable Oil
• Ground Pork
• Chicken Liver
• Bacon
• Onion
• Celery Ribs
• Green Bell Peppers
• Cajun Seasoning
• Green Onions

Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to the package instructions, but use chicken broth for one third of the cooking liquid
2. So, for example, if the package says to use 3 cups of water for 1 1 / 2 cups of rice, use 2 cups of water and 1 cup of chicken broth
3. Once the rice has finished cooking, remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes
4. Turn the rice out onto a sheet pan and drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over it
5. Mix to combine and let cool
6. While the rice is cooking, mash and finely chop the chicken livers, or pure briefly in a blender
7. In a large pan that can eventually hold the rice plus everything else, put 1 tablespoon of oil plus the bacon in and cook over medium-low heat until the bacon is crispy
8. Add the ground pork and increase the heat to high
9. Allow the meat to brown before stirring
10. As soon as the pork starts to brown, add the final tablespoon of oil and add the celery, jalapeos, and onions
11. Brown them all over medium-high heat
12. You may notice the bottom of the pan getting crusty
13. Keep it from burning by lowering the heat if needed
14. Add the minced liver and cook for a few minutes more
15. Add the remaining cup of chicken broth and deglaze the pan by scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon
16. Add the cajun seasoning and turn the heat to high
17. Boil away most of the chicken stock and then add the cooked rice
18. Toss to combine
19. Turn off the heat and add the green onions
20. Toss once more to combine and serve hot