Southern Rice

Discover the heartwarming flavors of Southern Rice, a soul-soothing dish that combines tender long-grain white rice with a medley of aromatic vegetables, smoky spices, and crispy bacon. Infused with the rich essence of chicken broth, smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne for just the right amount of heat, this comforting recipe is a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and aromatic goodness. Toasted rice in a buttery base creates a mouthwatering depth of flavor, while ingredients like green bell pepper, celery, and fresh green onions lend a vibrant crunch. Finished with a sprinkle of crumbled bacon and herbs, this one-pot delight is ideal as a side dish or a flavorful star of the table. Ready in just 40 minutes, this crowd-pleasing Southern classic will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the South!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
• 2 stalks, diced celery
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 4 slices, crumbled cooked bacon
• 2 stalks, sliced green onions

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat the grains in the butter and vegetable mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, toasting the rice slightly.

Step 6

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 8

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 9

Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 10

Remove the bay leaf from the rice. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the crumbled cooked bacon.

Step 11

Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm. Enjoy your Southern Rice!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1766.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1060.9

Total Fat 37.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 93.7mg	0%
Sodium 5161.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 144.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.8g	0%
Total Sugars 12.7g
Protein 39.5g	0%

Vitamin D 5.1IU	0%
Calcium 239.9mg	0%
Iron 10.6mg	0%
Potassium 1872.9mg	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: 31.5%

Protein: 14.7%

Carbs: 53.7%