Cajun Dirty Rice

Dirty rice is a Cajun dish consisting of white rice cooked with onions, peppers, chicken livers, and herbs.

1½ cups long grain rice
2½ tsp. sea salt
1 Tbsp. butter
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ lb chicken livers, cleaned, finely chopped
2 scallions, trimmed, white and green parts, cut crosswise into 1/8” pieces
2 ribs celery, including leafy greens, finely chopped
¼ cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
½ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
2 Tbsp. fresh oregano, chopped or 2 Tbsp. dried
1 jalapeno pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped
½ tsp. black pepper, freshly cracked

Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in rice, 1 tsp. sea salt, and butter. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 15-17 minutes, until water is absorbed. Set aside.

Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic; reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until brown, about 10 minutes. Add chicken livers; cook, stirring, 5 minutes. Add rice and all remaining ingredients. Cook, tossing and stirring, until hot, 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately.

Makes 10-12 servings.