Dirty Brown Rice with Shrimp

About This Recipe

A healthier twist on a Cajun classic, the addition of shrimp turns this "dirty brown rice" into a fabulous main dish. I'd like to think of this as a Cajun shrimp fried rice. With Mardi Gras ending tomorrow, I thought this would be the perfect timing to share this recipe from the archives because I LOVE this dish!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked brown rice
• chicken bouillon cube (Knorr)
• 2 bay leaves (divided)
• 1/8 + 1/4 tsp cayenne (divided)
• 1/8 + 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/8 + 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp oil
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 celery (diced)
• 1 green pepper (diced)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1/2 lb 96% lean ground beef (Laura's lean beef)
• salt and fresh pepper (to taste)
• 1 lb medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 scallions (chopped)

Instructions

1. Cook brown rice according to package directions in water along with a chicken bouillon, 1 bay leaf and 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 each of salt, cayenne, paprika and thyme.
2. When the rice is almost done cooking, heat a large heavy saucepan on medium-low heat.
3. Add the oil, onions, green pepper, celery, bay leaf and garlic. Sauté on medium-low heat until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Add beef, salt, black pepper, remaining paprika, thyme and cayenne pepper.
5. Sauté until browned, about 10-15 minutes; add shrimp, cover and cook 5 more minutes.
6. When the rice is done, toss with beef and shrimp and combine well. Top with scallions and serve.