Creole Rice
Creole Rice is a flavorful, spicy dish featuring tender rice simmered with tomatoes, green chiles, peppers, and herbs. Its bold, savory taste makes it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a hearty side for gatherings, showcasing classic Creole flavors in a simple, satisfying recipe.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the tomatoes, reserving 1 cup of juice.
- Combine the reserved juice, water, garlic powder, dried parsley flakes, dried oregano, and salt in a large saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the chopped green pepper, chopped green onions, tomatoes with green chiles, and uncooked rice.
- Cover the saucepan, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the green pepper and green onions in the butter before adding the liquids. You can substitute the uncooked rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. If you prefer more heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. This dish can easily be adapted to include other vegetables, such as corn or black beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Creole Rice as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or as a base for spicy shrimp or chicken. It pairs beautifully with Grilled Tomatoes for a colorful plate. For a complete meal, consider adding a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the Creole Rice to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying out and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, or warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creole Rice contains roughly 542 calories, with 11g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (176% of the Daily Value), and calcium (141% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1470mg per serving (64% 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'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, about 40-50 minutes. Increase the water accordingly and check for doneness before serving.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure the canned tomatoes do not contain any meat-based ingredients and feel free to add more vegetables or swap in vegetable broth for added flavor.
What can I do if I want to make this dish spicier?
To amp up the spice level, consider adding some cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños when combining the ingredients. You can also serve it with a spicy salsa on the side for extra heat.
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).