Carolina Red Rice
A hearty Southern rice dish featuring smoky bacon, savory vegetables, and rich tomatoes, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings that love bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven until crisp.
- Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
- Add vegetable oil to the pot and sauté minced onion, celery, and bell peppers until tender.
- Add the mashed tomatoes and liquid, along with 2 cups of water, to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and cook for 20 minutes.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the pot.
- Add the uncooked rice and stir well.
- When the mixture returns to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes or until rice is fluffy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using chicken broth instead of water. You can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian option. Adjust the vegetables based on your preference; adding Creole Peppers can enhance the dish's flavor profile. Ensure to rinse the rice before cooking for better texture.
Serving Suggestions
Carolina Red Rice makes a hearty main dish and pairs beautifully with Cuban Roast Pork for a delicious meal. Serve it with a side of sautéed greens or a fresh coleslaw for added crunch. Consider topping with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Carolina Red Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice and microwave it covered for about 2 minutes, or until heated through, stirring halfway for even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carolina Red Rice contains roughly 364 calories, with 4g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 630mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to increase the cooking time to about 45-50 minutes. Additionally, increase the liquid by half a cup, as brown rice requires more water to cook properly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable oil instead of bacon fat. You can enhance the flavor by adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smokiness that bacon provides.
What can I serve with Carolina Red Rice?
This dish pairs well with various proteins like grilled chicken or fish. You might also try it alongside Swamp Cabbage And Sausage for a Southern twist. A simple green salad or sautéed vegetables can complement the meal nicely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).