Cajun Rice Medley

Ingredients

While the original Brazilian Arroz junto is a rice dish that incorporates various meats and vegetables, the Cajun Rice Medley adapts the concept by infusing it with the distinct flavors of Cajun cuisine. The original dish may use Brazilian spices and ingredients, whereas the Cajun version incorporates Cajun spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme. Additionally, the Cajun Rice Medley may include Cajun sausage or shrimp to enhance the dish's flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Arroz junto, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) long-grain rice 2 cups (470ml) long-grain rice
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken or vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried thyme 1 teaspoon (5g) dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound (450g) Cajun sausage or shrimp, sliced (optional) 1 pound (450g) Cajun sausage or shrimp, sliced (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 4g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. 4.
   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. 5.
   Add the diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   If using Cajun sausage or shrimp, add them to the skillet and cook until they are cooked through.
7. 7.
   Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to coat the rice with the sauce.
8. 8.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
9. 9.
   Remove the bay leaf and fluff the rice with a fork.
10. 10.
    Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cajun sausage — If using Cajun sausage, choose a high-quality brand with authentic Cajun flavors. Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the dish.
• Shrimp — If using shrimp, make sure they are peeled and deveined before adding them to the skillet. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Feel free to customize the vegetable mix by adding other Cajun favorites like okra or tomatoes.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
• Serve the Cajun Rice Medley with a side of cornbread to complement the flavors.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a delicious lunch or dinner.

Serving advice

Serve the Cajun Rice Medley as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, consider serving the Cajun Rice Medley in individual bowls or on a large platter. Sprinkle some additional chopped parsley on top for an appealing touch.