A plant-based version of an authentic, Cajun dish. This plant-based dirty rice is full of healthy ingredients and great flavors. It works perfectly as the main dish or as a side. In addition, it is super easy to make and is a great option for a healthy weeknight dinner. A meat-less and much healthier version of a Southern favorite.
Dirty rice is a Cajun dish originating in southern Louisiana. It is typically made with white rice and chicken liver and gizzards, ground beef or pork. The process of cooking the meat with the white rice gives it a “dirty” look, hence the name dirty rice.
This recipe, however, is full of flavor without any of the animal products. Instead, this completely plant-based dirty rice is made using brown rice and a cauliflower “meat” similar to this cauliflower taco meat. The cauliflower mixture adds a great texture and boost of flavor in place of what would typically be a combination of various types of meat.
Using brown rice gives it the ‘dirty’ look. Additionally, it is whole grain that is nutrient dense and great for heart health. Paired with the cauliflower, this recipe is packed with fiber that aids in digestion while also promoting fullness.
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Vegan/ Plant-Based Dirty Rice
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups brown rice
- 1 small cauliflower
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 3 stalks of celery
- 8 button mushrooms
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1-2 tbs chopped parsley
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°.
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Start cooking rice. See instructions below.
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Combine cauliflower, walnuts, onion, bell pepper, celery, and mushrooms in food processor. Pulse until everything is finely chopped.
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Add all seasoning (except garlic cloves and parsley) to cauliflower mixture and stir until well combined.
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Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Evenly pour mixture onto sheet and bake in the over for 30-35 minutes; stir halfway.
How to Cook Brown Rice
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Put rice into a strainer and rinse thoroughly.
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Add rice to a pot on the stove and cover with water. You are going to be cooking the rice like you would pasta. This further removes any toxins from the rice and cooks it perfectly.
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Let boil on medium heat for 45 minutes or until the rice is at desired textured.
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Once it is finished cooking, drain the water and rinse the rice again with a strainer. Put the rice back in the pot and continue with recipe.
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When everything is finished cooking, combine rice and cauliflower mixture into large bowl. Add pressed garlic cloves and finely chopped parsley. Stir to combine.
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Serve as a side dish or the main course. Top with Louisiana Hot Sauce.
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[…] in healthy diet and works great in place of white rice, like in this no-fry fried rice and this plant-based dirty rice. Plus, check out the bottom on the recipe to find out how to perfectly cook brown […]