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    Home ≫ Side Dish

    Vegetarian Dirty Rice

    Updated November 2, 2022. Originally Posted November 2, 2022 By Nikole This post may contain Amazon affiliate links.

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    vegetarian dirty rice on a fork
    vegetarian dirty rice recipe in 3 bowls
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    pinable image of the recipe

    This vegetarian dirty rice recipe is full of Cajun spice. It’s a healthy riff on the well loved Creole dish, but is made without the traditional dirty rice ingredients like chicken livers, spicy sausage, and ground beef. Turn to this version when you need a vegan recipe that has plenty of flavor without meat.

    Serve with my Easy Cajun Baked Salmon recipe!

    vegetarian dirty rice recipe in 3 bowls

    Why you'll love it

    Simple and quick - this cajun rice is an easy recipe that comes together with just a few steps.

    Full of flavor - craving creole spices but don't want something too heavy? This classic recipe will have your tastes buds twitching without the addition of traditional Creole meat.

    Great side dish - pair this with your favorite vegan dish, or just enjoy a vegan version of dirty rice with a hearty main dish.

    Ingredients

    Olive oil - or another mild flavored oil or butter

    Onions - I like sweet or yellow onion. Red onions are also delicious.

    Celery

    Green bell pepper

    Garlic

    Worcestershire sauce - this gives the dish a meaty, savory flavor and will help give it the "dirty" color.

    White rice - I used a long grain rice.

    Vegetable broth - canned, boxed or homemade vegetable stock

    Red kidney beans - canned version tastes great. Substitute with any kind of beans like black beans, pinto beans, Cannellini beans, or Navy beans if you don't like kidney beans.

    Herbs and spices - paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes. You can also use your favorite Cajun seasoning mix or my Louisiana Rub recipe.

    Salt and black pepper

    Garnishes - I like sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or chopped Italian parsley.

    ingredients to make the recipe

    Instructions

    Heat oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions, celery, and green pepper and cook until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Reduce to medium heat if browning too quickly.

    Over medium heat, add garlic to the pan along with the Worcestershire sauce and your herbs and spices (paprika, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper). Cook for about 1 or 2 minutes, or until mixture starts to brown slightly and become fragrant.

    making the recipe
    making the recipe

    Add rice, vegetable broth, and beans to the pot. Stir, and bring to a boil. Cover pot and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes.

    Turn heat off and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove lid and fluff with a fork and garnish with green onions, parsley, or cilantro.

    making the recipe
    making the recipe

    Top tips

    I love my Dutch oven for making this dish, and so many more. If using a skillet or frying pan, be sure it has a lid and high sides.

    Brown rice can be used instead of regular white rice, however cooking time will vary. Cook brown rice according to package directions, usually about 45 minutes.

    Add vegan sausage or other meat alternatives if desired. Always cook thoroughly.

    Quick facts

    What is the history and origin of dirty rice?

    This flavorful rice dish originated in southern Louisiana during the 1700's and 1800's. According to Wikipedia, it was first made by enslaved Africans using rice and "undesirable" cuts of meat like organ meat. Over time, this traditional meal has adapted to the changing food supply and is now usually made with higher quality meat like ground beef and Andouille sausage. Health conscious versions like my vegetarian dirty rice are also becoming more common.

    Why is dirty rice called dirty?

    Dirty rice may be called "dirty" because the original cuts of meat used in the dish were discards like intestines and chicken gizzards. The brown color may also be another reason for the name.

    What is the Holy Trinity in Creole cuisine?

    The Holy Trinity refers to celery, onion, and green bell pepper. These three ingredients make up the base of many Creole and Cajun dishes.

    How to store and reheat

    Vegetarian dirty rice keeps well covered in airtight containers in the refrigerator for about one week. Freeze leftover rice for up to three months.

    Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

    Reheat in the microwave or in a 300 degree F oven until hot.

    What goes with vegetarian dirty rice?

    • Air fryer blackened chicken
    • Baked Cajun Salmon
    • Air Fryer Sausage and Peppers
    • Instant Pot Brisket
    vegetarian dirty rice on a fork

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    vegetarian dirty rice in a black bowl

    Vegetarian Dirty Rice

    Recipe by Nikole Berg
    This vegetarian dirty rice recipe is full of Cajun spice. It’s a healthy riff on the well loved Creole dish, but is made without the traditional dirty rice ingredients like chicken livers, spicy sausage, and ground beef. Turn to this version when you need a vegan recipe that has plenty of flavor without meat.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Resting time 5 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American, Cajun, Creole
    Servings 6
    Calories 161 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 cup onion
    • ½ cup celery
    • 1 green bell pepper
    • 2 garlic cloves
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 2 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • 1 cup white rice
    • 2 cups vegetable broth
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1-15 ounce can kidney beans
    • Garnishes: sliced green onions chopped cilantro, chopped Italian parsley
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions
     

    • Heat oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions, celery, and green pepper and cook until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Reduce to medium heat if browning too quickly.
    • Over medium heat, add garlic to the pan along with your herbs and spices (paprika, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper). Cook for about 1 or 2 minutes, or until mixture starts to brown slightly and become fragrant.
    • Add rice, vegetable broth, and beans to the pot. Stir, and bring to a boil. Cover pot and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes.
    • Turn heat off and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove lid and fluff with a fork and garnish with green onions, parsley, or cilantro.

    Notes

    I love my Dutch oven for making this dish, and so many more. If using a skillet or frying pan, be sure it has a lid and high sides.
    Brown rice can be used instead of regular white rice, however cooking time will vary. Cook brown rice according to package directions, usually about 45 minutes.
    Add vegan sausage or other meat alternatives if desired. Always cook thoroughly.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 161kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 725mgPotassium: 169mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 670IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword cajun, jamabalaya, rice, rice side dish
    Tried this recipe?Click here to leave a helpful tip!

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    About Nikole

    Nikole is the creator and photographer behind The Travel Palate, a food and travel blog featuring quick and flavorful recipes and getaway guides. Nikole hopes to inspire your inner foodie whether you're in the kitchen or traveling on your next adventure.

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    Welcome, I'm Nikole! I'm the blogger, photographer, and recipe developer dedicated to bringing you recipes that are simple to make, affordable and taste incredible.

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