Description
A flavorful and aromatic Cajun Rice recipe featuring sautéed bell peppers and onions simmered with garlic, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf for a perfectly seasoned side dish that pairs wonderfully with any Cajun or Southern meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
Liquids
- 3 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 1/4 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Other Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Add the butter to a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Ensure the butter does not burn. As soon as it melts, add the diced red and green bell peppers and yellow onion, stirring to coat them in the butter. Sauté the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth along with Kosher salt, garlic powder, ground thyme, paprika, black pepper, and the bay leaf. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add rice and simmer: Stir in the long-grain white rice, then cover the saucepan with a lid. Reduce the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Cook the rice: Let the rice simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and tender to your preference. Avoid lifting the lid too frequently to maintain steam.
- Rest the rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice stand, covered, for 10 minutes to allow the grains to firm up and absorb any remaining moisture.
- Fluff and serve: After the resting period, remove the bay leaf, fluff the rice gently with a fork, then serve hot as a deliciously seasoned side dish.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control salt content.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Long-grain white rice is preferred for fluffiness; avoid using instant rice.
- Keep the heat moderate to prevent burning the butter or vegetables.
- Covering the pot during simmering is key for the rice to cook evenly.
- Resting the rice after cooking helps improve texture and flavor absorption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Keywords: Cajun Rice, Cajun side dish, Cajun recipe, seasoned rice, bell pepper rice, easy Cajun rice, one pot rice, southern rice dish
