Name: Smoky Spicy Southern Texas Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern Texas
Ingredients: 2 cups long-grain white rice; 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, finely diced; 1 green bell pepper, finely diced; 1 cup frozen corn kernels; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; Juice of 1 lime; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/2 cup diced smoked sausage or andouille sausage

Introduction

Smoky Spicy Southern Texas Rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings a touch of the South to your table. Packed with smoky sausage, bold spices, and fresh vegetables, it’s perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying main. This recipe is straightforward and sure to delight any lover of spicy, comforting food.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with three main layers: at the bottom is cooked rice mixed with small pieces of red and green bell peppers, sliced sausage, and corn kernels giving a soft and slightly wet texture; the middle layer is more rice spread evenly with visible scattered bits of vegetables and sausage; on top is a fresh green garnish of roughly chopped cilantro covering the center. On the left side of the bowl, there is a wedge of lime placed on the edge, adding a bright touch. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is slightly visible holding the bowl from the bottom left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups long-grain white rice

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, finely diced

1 green bell pepper, finely diced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice

3 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup frozen corn kernels

1/2 cup diced smoked sausage or andouille sausage

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.

Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent.

Step 3: Stir in diced red and green bell peppers, cooking for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 4: Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices.

Step 5: Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice and the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6: Add the rinsed rice, stirring to combine. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 7: In a separate pan, lightly sauté the diced smoked sausage until browned. Add the sausage and corn kernels to the rice mixture.

Step 8: Gently mix all ingredients into the rice to distribute evenly. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 9: Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 5 minutes.

Step 10: Before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the rice and squeeze lime juice on top for a fresh, zesty finish.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth.

Add finely chopped jalapeños if you prefer extra heat.

Use smoked paprika to deepen the smoky flavor, or substitute with regular paprika if needed.

Leftover rice can be toasted lightly in a pan to refresh it before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but cooking time will increase and you may need additional broth or water. Plan for about 40-45 minutes of cooking time until tender.