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Gullah Red Rice - A Classic Soul Food Dish

Gullah red rice is a cherished dish with deep roots in the Lowcountry cuisine of Georgia and South Carolina, reflecting the culinary traditions of enslaved Africans who brought their rice-growing expertise to the region.
This flavorful and comforting rice dish features smoked sausage or bacon, stewed tomatoes, and a rich blend of seasonings, all baked to perfection. It’s a soul food classic that delivers bold taste and nostalgic warmth.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Southern
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz smoked sausage diced, or 4 strips of bacon
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 1 large green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 2 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 14.5-oz cans stewed tomatoes
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups long-grain rice rinsed until water runs clear
  • Sliced scallion greens for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Cook the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced sausage or bacon until browned, about 2–3 minutes per side. If using bacon, leave behind some of the rendered fat for added flavor.
  • Prepare the broth: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken stock and tomato paste until well combined.
  • Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the same skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Season the mixture: Sprinkle in the salt, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, stewed tomatoes, cayenne, black pepper, and the cooked sausage or bacon. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon as it cooks.
  • Add the rice: Stir in the rinsed rice, ensuring everything is evenly mixed. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Bake to perfection: Carefully transfer the rice mixture to the greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
  • Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with sliced scallion greens, and enjoy this flavorful Lowcountry classic.

Notes

  • For extra smokiness, consider using andouille sausage.
  • If you prefer a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
  • Serve with collard greens or cornbread for a full Southern meal.
Keyword baked red rice recipe, easy Gullah recipes, Lowcountry red rice, rice and sausage recipe, soul food, southern comfort food, Southern red rice, traditional soul food baking
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