Skip to main content

Prawns in Dirty Rice

Freshwater prawns farmed in Mississippi are hatched in the nursery and kept in brackish water for three weeks. After that they are moved to fresh artesian well water in the nursery for thirty more days and then are stocked in ponds when the water temperature reaches the mid-sixties. After about four months they have grown large enough to bring to market. When the prawns are harvested in the fall from the artesian waters I always make a batch of this dirty rice. It is Southern through and through and well seasoned.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 6

Ingredients

1/4 pound bulk pork sausage
1 pound chicken livers, rinsed, trimmed, and finely chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound peeled freshwater prawns
4 cups cooked white rice, hot
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Hot sauce, for serving

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large, heavy skillet set over medium-high heat, cook the sausage and chicken livers until browned, breaking up any large chunks as you go, 5 minutes. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery and cook, stirring, until soft, 5 minutes. Add the garlic and prawns and cook for 3 minutes or until the prawns begin to curl slightly and become opaque. Gently fold in the rice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

    Step 2

    Serve immediately with hot sauce on the side.

A Southerly Course
Read More
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.
Like Greek lemon potatoes and gochujang chicken stir-fry.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like fattoush salad and strawberry shortcake roll.
Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.