📝 About This Recipe
A vibrant cornerstone of Louisiana home cooking, this Creole version of Spanish Rice is a soulful marriage of long-grain rice, the aromatic 'Holy Trinity,' and rich tomato flavors. Unlike its Mexican counterpart, this dish leans into the smoky depth of bacon drippings and the subtle heat of cayenne, reflecting the diverse culinary heritage of the French Quarter. It is a versatile, comforting side or a hearty main that perfectly captures the essence of bayou hospitality.
🥗 Ingredients
The Aromatic Base
- 4 slices Bacon (thick-cut, diced)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (finely diced)
- 1 large Green Bell Pepper (seeded and diced)
- 2 stalks Celery (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
Rice and Liquids
- 1 1/2 cups Long-Grain White Rice (unprocessed, such as Mahatma or Jasmine)
- 2 1/2 cups Chicken Stock (low-sodium preferred)
- 8 ounces Tomato Sauce (plain canned sauce)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes (with juices)
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 piece Bay Leaf (dried)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1/4 cup Green Onions (thinly sliced for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crisp and the fat has rendered.
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2
Use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy bacon bits and set them aside on a paper towel, leaving about 2-3 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the pan.
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3
Add the uncooked white rice to the hot bacon fat. Sauté the rice over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the grains are toasted and turn an opaque, nutty golden brown.
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4
Stir in the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery (the Holy Trinity). Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
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5
Add the minced garlic and cook for just 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
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6
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and chicken stock. Stir well to combine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful browned bits (fond).
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7
Add the smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to distribute the spices evenly.
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8
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
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9
Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot tightly with the lid, and simmer undisturbed for 18-20 minutes.
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10
After 20 minutes, turn off the heat but do not remove the lid. Let the rice steam in the residual heat for another 5-10 minutes; this ensures a fluffy texture.
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11
Remove the lid and discard the bay leaf. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, incorporating the reserved crispy bacon bits back into the dish.
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12
Garnish generously with sliced green onions and fresh parsley before serving warm.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the best texture, avoid stirring the rice once the lid is on, as this releases starch and makes it gummy. If you don't have bacon drippings, you can substitute with butter or lard, though you will lose that signature smoky Creole depth. Always rinse your rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear before cooking to remove excess surface starch. To make this a full meal, stir in cooked shrimp or sliced andouille sausage during the final 5-minute steaming rest. If the rice is still too firm after the cooking time, add 2 tablespoons of stock and cover for an additional 5 minutes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside blackened catfish or redfish for a classic Louisiana Friday dinner. Pairs beautifully with a side of buttery cornbread and slow-simmered collard greens. Excellent as a base for grilled kabobs or Creole-spiced roasted chicken. For a drink pairing, try a crisp, cold Lager or a refreshing glass of sweet iced tea with lemon. A dash of your favorite Louisiana-style hot sauce at the table is highly recommended for extra zip.