Cajun Dirty Rice

Ingredients

• 3 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 3 toes garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped jalapenos
• 1 pound chicken livers, trimmed, rinsed and ground or finely minced
• 1 pound ground beef or pork
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning (like Slap Ya Mama), or to taste
• 4 cups leftover cooked rice
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion
• Hot sauce, for the table

Instructions

1. 1

   Sauté the bacon pieces in a cast iron pot until cooked but not crisp. Remove and set aside.

2. 2

   In the bacon drippings, add the onion, bell pepper and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and jalapeno and cook for another minute or so.

3. 3

   Add ground/minced meats and cook until lightly browned and cooked through. Do not drain.

4. 4

   Add the salt, pepper and Cajun seasoning and return the bacon to the pot; reduce heat to medium low, cover and let simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a small amount of water only if needed to prevent sticking.

5. 5

   Add the rice and green onion, stir together, cover and reduce heat to a medium low simmer. Heat through, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings.

6. 6

   May also be kept covered on very low heat and allowed to continue to steam until needed.

7. 7

   Serve with hot sauce at the table.