Mama Ruth's Red Rice

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Mama Ruth's Red Rice, a Southern-inspired dish brimming with rich flavors and hearty ingredients. This vibrant one-pot recipe combines perfectly cooked long-grain white rice with smoky bacon, tender sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and celery, and a savory blend of chicken broth and diced tomatoes. A fragrant medley of garlic, paprika, and a touch of sugar elevates the dish, creating a balance of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet notes. Ready in just 45 minutes, this crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect as a flavorful side dish or a satisfying main course. Topped with crispy bacon, Mama Ruth's Red Rice will transport you to a cozy family kitchen with every delicious bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (canned)
• 4 slices smoked bacon
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 1 medium green bell pepper
• 1 large celery stalk
• 2 large clove garlic
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.

Step 2

Dice the bacon into small pieces. In a large, heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.

Step 3

While the bacon cooks, finely chop the onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Mince the garlic.

Step 4

Add the vegetable oil to the skillet with the bacon fat, then add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly browned.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and sugar. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 6

Add the drained rice to the skillet. Stir to coat the rice in the vegetable mixture, allowing it to toast slightly for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7

Pour in the chicken broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes (including the juice). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 8

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes without uncovering or stirring.

Step 9

After 20 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 10

Garnish with the reserved crispy bacon pieces and serve warm. Enjoy Mama Ruth's Red Rice as a comforting side dish or a main course!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1858.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1102.4

Total Fat 40.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.5g
Cholesterol 66mg	0%
Sodium 4091.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 140.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.3g	0%
Total Sugars 29.0g
Protein 49.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 266.9mg	0%
Iron 10.2mg	0%
Potassium 2583.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.6%

Protein: 17.4%

Carbs: 50.0%