Confetti Rice Dressing: A Colorful Take on Dirty Rice
Confetti Rice Dressing is a vibrant, visually appealing twist on traditional dirty rice. This hearty dish combines the richness of ground turkey and optional chicken livers with the crunch of fresh vegetables, all tied together with perfectly seasoned brown rice and black-eyed peas. While it’s mildly spiced to cater to a variety of palates, you can easily adjust the heat by serving it with Tabasco or red pepper flakes. This recipe was lovingly created for RSC #5, blending wholesome ingredients with bold Southern flavors.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Brown rice | 1 cup | Long-grain or medium-grain preferred |
| Black-eyed peas | ½ cup | Soaked overnight or canned, rinsed |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup | Low-sodium for controlled saltiness |
| Water | 1 ½ cups | As needed to cook the rice |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons | Divided use |
| Chicken livers (optional) | ½ cup | Cleaned and trimmed |
| Ground turkey | 1 pound | Lean or standard |
| Garlic clove | 1 | Minced |
| Onion | ½ cup | Finely chopped |
| Green bell pepper | ½ cup | Diced |
| Red bell pepper | ½ cup | Diced |
| Zucchini | ½ cup | Finely diced |
| Fresh sage | 1 tablespoon | Finely chopped |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Divided use |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | Freshly ground preferred |
| Parsley flakes | ½ teaspoon | Dried |
| Cajun seasoning | 1 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Green onions with tops | 1 ½ cups | Sliced for garnish |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 teaspoon | Adds a touch of tang |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340.3 |
| Fat | 15.1g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.8g |
| Cholesterol | 72.6mg |
| Sodium | 598.7mg |
| Carbohydrates | 30.9g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 2.5g |
| Protein | 20.6g |
Yields: 6 servings
Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Instructions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a pot with a tight-fitting lid, combine the brown rice, black-eyed peas, ½ teaspoon salt, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to simmer. |
| 2 | Check the rice after 35 minutes to see if additional water is needed. Continue cooking until the rice and peas are tender and all liquid is absorbed, about 40–50 minutes total. |
| 3 | In a large, deep skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. If using chicken livers, sauté them until cooked through, then remove from the skillet and chop finely. |
| 4 | In the same skillet, add the ground turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. |
| 5 | Add the minced garlic, onion, green and red bell peppers, and zucchini to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and aromatic, about 5–7 minutes. |
| 6 | Return the chopped chicken livers to the skillet, stirring to combine with the turkey and vegetables. |
| 7 | Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to the pot of cooked rice and peas. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, fresh sage, remaining salt, black pepper, parsley flakes, vinegar, and Cajun seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. |
| 8 | Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped green onions. For those who enjoy a spicier dish, offer Tabasco or red pepper flakes on the side. |
This Confetti Rice Dressing is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. Its colorful presentation makes it a standout side or main dish for family dinners or gatherings. Perfect for those who want a hearty, balanced dish with a hint of Southern charm!
