Mardi Gras Dirty Rice Sausage (Print Version)
A Creole-inspired dish with spicy sausage, aromatic vegetables, and seasoned rice for lively gatherings.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 10.5 oz smoked Andouille sausage, sliced
02 - 7 oz ground pork (optional, for richer flavor)
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
08 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
→ Rice & Broth
09 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
10 - 2 cups chicken stock
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
12 - ½ tsp dried thyme
13 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
14 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Fats & Oils
16 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and ground pork (if using). Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside, draining excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
03 - Return the meats to the pan. Stir in Cajun seasoning, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables and meats with spices.
04 - Add the uncooked rice and stir to toast the grains for 2 minutes.
05 - Pour in the chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
06 - Remove from heat. Let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
07 - Stir in half of the green onions and parsley. Serve hot, garnished with remaining green onions and parsley.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The layers of flavor build into something greater than the sum of parts
- It feeds a crowd without breaking the bank
- The leftovers somehow taste even better the next day
02 -
- Do not lift the lid while the rice simmers or you will mess up the steam
- The rice should still have a slight bite when you remove it from heat
- Letting it rest covered is the difference between good and great dirty rice
03 -
- Chop your vegetables uniformly so they cook evenly
- Use a heavy pot that holds heat well for the most consistent results