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Southern cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, textures, and culinary traditions that have evolved over centuries. Rooted in a rich cultural heritage, Southern cooking is celebrated for its hearty dishes, seasonal ingredients, and bold spices. One such dish that exemplifies the essence of Southern cooking is Dirt Rice, a savory and satisfying staple that brings together the comforting qualities of rice with a medley of flavors that are both familiar and exciting.

Easy Dirty Rice

Discover the vibrant flavors of Southern cuisine with our Spicy Southern Dirt Rice recipe! This comforting dish combines fluffy rice, savory ground meat, and the classic holy trinity of vegetables, all enhanced by bold spices. Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, it's easy to make and packed with flavor. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and bring a taste of the South to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth

1 pound ground turkey or chicken

1 medium onion, diced

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

1 bell pepper (green or red), diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 cup frozen peas

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Rinse the rice in cold water and drain well. In a medium saucepan, combine the washed rice and chicken broth, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, cover and reduce to low heat. Cook for about 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the broth is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered.

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

      Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

        Add the ground turkey or chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 6-8 minutes.

          Mix in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir continuously, allowing the spices to coat the meat and vegetables evenly.

            Once the meat is cooked, fold in the cooked rice and frozen peas. Stir until everything is integrated well, cooking for another 3-5 minutes until heated through.

              Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the dirty rice in deep bowls, garnished with additional parsley and possibly a sprinkle of additional Cajun seasoning for color. You can also add a side of cornbread or a green salad for a wholesome meal.