Dirty Rice

How to Make Dirty Rice

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1. Heat the oil in a large, deep pan or casserole over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook for 8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until well browned.

   Mark done Start 8 min timer

2. Add the chicken livers and cook for 3 minutes, stirring, until they are no longer pink. They will break down into the meat and darken it.

   Mark done Start 3 min timer

3. Add the onion, celery and green pepper and cook for 6 minutes, stirring, until softened. Stir in the garlic, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper and cook for 1 minute.

   Mark done Start 6 min timer

4. Stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute so that the grains are coated in the fat. Pour in the stock, bring to the boil and stir once.

   Mark done Start 1 min timer

5. Cover tightly, turn the heat to its lowest setting and cook for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.

   Mark done Start 18 min timer

6. Take the pan off the heat and leave it covered for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in the spring onions and parsley. Season with salt and serve with hot sauce.

   Mark done Start 10 min timer

Tips for Making Dirty Rice

• Chop the livers as finely as you can, or pulse them in a food processor. Small pieces melt into the meat, while large ones stay grainy.
• Do not lift the lid while the rice cooks. The steam is what cooks the grains, and letting it out gives you a pan that is hard on top and wet underneath.
• Brown the pork hard. The crust on the meat and the sticky bits on the pan give the rice its dark colour and roasted flavour.

Common Substitutions & Variations

• Out of spring onions? A small regular onion, finely sliced, or a few chives stirred in at the end both cover the job.
• An eighth of a teaspoon of garlic powder per clove is the usual stand-in when you are out of fresh garlic — it will not caramelise the same way, but it carries the flavour.
• Vegetable stock in place of the chicken stock makes this meat-free without changing the method, if that is what you need.

What to Serve with Dirty Rice

• Fried chicken
• Collard greens
• Cornbread

Storing & Reheating Dirty Rice

Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a covered pan with a splash of water or in the microwave until steaming hot. Freezes for up to 2 months.

Dirty Rice FAQ: Common Questions

Dirty Rice Nutrition

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.