Cajun Rice Pilaf Rice Cooker
Elevate your weeknight meals with this flavorful and effortless Cajun Rice Pilaf prepared in a rice cooker! Packed with aromatic vegetables like onion, bell pepper, and celery, this recipe incorporates bold Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a hint of thyme for a vibrant Southern-inspired taste. Cooked in savory chicken broth, the rice turns out perfectly fluffy and infused with layers of spice and smoky richness. Optional additions of andouille sausage or cooked shrimp add a hearty touch, making it a versatile dish for any meal. With just 15 minutes of prep time and easy one-pot cooking, this recipe is a time-saving gem. Garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, this delicious rice pilaf pairs beautifully with your favorite proteins or shines as a standalone dish. Perfect for those craving a taste of Louisiana with minimal effort!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
- 1 bay leaf
- 0.5 cup optional diced andouille sausage or cooked shrimp
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Turn off the heat.
In the rice cooker pot, combine the rinsed rice, sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, salt, and bay leaf.
If using andouille sausage or cooked shrimp, add it to the rice cooker at this stage.
Turn on the rice cooker and cook on the standard white rice setting.
Once the rice cooker switches to 'warm,' let the rice sit for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Open the rice cooker, carefully remove the bay leaf, and fluff the rice with a fork.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
322 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.8 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.0 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 14 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 1035 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37.2 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.6 g | ||
| Protein | 10.4 g | 21% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 60 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 437 mg | 9% | |
*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.
