Down in South Louisiana, rice is a staple. We use it in everything. Jambalaya. Gumbo. Red beans and rice.

Sometimes we use it as a side dish, too, but let’s face it, rice by itself is rather bland. So, if you want to spice it up, try this dish. It’s sure to wake your taste buds.

MawMaw’s Dirty Rice

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:

2 cups uncooked rice

1/2 pound chopped sausage
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound bacon
1 chopped onion
1 chopped bell pepper
2 stalks chopped celery
3 cloves chopped garlic
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon black pepper
dash Worcestershire
salt to taste

(for the roux):
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup flour

2 stalks chopped green onion (as a garnish)

Steam the rice and set aside.

Over a medium heat, sauté the bacon. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. Add sausage and beef to bacon drippings, and sauté until fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.

With the oil and flour, make a dark brown roux.

Add the chopped vegetables, seasonings, and Worcestershire to the roux and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat. Add the meat to the vegetables and coat with the roux mixture.

Pour the mixture into the rice and fold until blended.

Toss in the green onions and there you have it – a delectable side dish sure to delight your mouth!