Cajun Rice is a super flavorful Louisiana Style side dish, filled with peppers, onions, celery and tons of spices! It is a great side dish for all Cajun style food.
OPTIONAL - add a fresh diced jalapeno with the peppers and onions for extra spice!
Instructions
In a pot over medium heat add the butter and let it melt. Add the celery, peppers, and onion, sauté until they are softening, about 7-8 minutes.(add the jalapeno too, if using for extra heat)
3 tablespoon butter, 1 stalk celery, 1 red bell pepper, ½ cup yellow or white onion
Add the garlic and rice. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
1 ½ cups long grain white rice, 3 garlic cloves
Measure in all the seasonings and spices. Stir around for 1 minute.
¾ teaspoon kosher salt, ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, Bay Leaf, pinch red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper
Pour in the chicken stock and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot.
2 ½ cups chicken stock
Bring to a boil, make sure all the rice grains are in the liquid, then cover the pot and lower the heat to low.
Simmer covered for 18 minutes, without peaking. Remove from the heat and keep covered for 5 more minutes to finish cooking.
Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Taste for additional seasoning or spices.
RINSING YOUR RICE: Use a fine mesh sieve to run cool water over the rice until it is clear. If you don't have a fine mesh sieve you can also rinse the rice in a bowl of water, changing the water a few times to rid it of extra starch.