South Carolina Red Rice
South Carolina Red Rice is a flavorful, smoky dish featuring bacon, tomatoes, and tender rice, perfect for hearty family meals or casual gatherings with a Southern flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crispy, then remove from pan and crumble.
- Cook onions in bacon fat until tender.
- Add rice, canned tomatoes, salt, pepper, and crumbled bacon to the pan.
- Cook on low heat about 35 minutes, stirring well.
- Stir with a fork several times while cooking.
- Check after 15 minutes and add water if needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon or pancetta instead of regular bacon. If you're out of canned tomatoes, fresh diced tomatoes or tomato sauce can work well, though you may need to adjust the cooking time. Adding a bay leaf during cooking can enhance the dish's flavor. For a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with olive oil and add some sautéed mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish as a hearty side alongside grilled meats or seafood, making it a perfect accompaniment to dishes like Ham And Black-Eyed Peas. Consider garnishing with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. A simple green salad or coleslaw pairs nicely to balance the richness of the rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover South Carolina Red Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice and cover it while microwaving to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of South Carolina Red Rice contains roughly 138 calories, with 8g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (130% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1143mg per serving (50% 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 make South Carolina Red Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water if it seems dry.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is typically used for South Carolina Red Rice for its ability to stay fluffy and separate. However, you can also use medium-grain rice if that's what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! You can incorporate diced bell peppers, peas, or even corn for added flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions until tender before adding the rice and other ingredients, which will enhance the overall dish beautifully.
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).