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Dirty Rice with Hatch Chiles

★★★★★ 4.9 (14 reviews)

This flavorful dish combines savory spices with a bit of heat from fresh Hatch chiles for a comforting, hearty meal. It’s perfect for those who love bold, satisfying flavors in every bite.

◷53 minTotal Time

♜4Servings

▥HardDifficulty

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Ingredients

4servings

1 pound mild Hatch chile peppers - halved, stemmed, and seeded1 pound mild breakfast sausage½ pound bacon, sliced into small strips1 large onion, diced2 ¼ cups water1 ½ cups uncooked jasmine rice

Instructions

Broil the Peppers

Start by preheating your oven’s broiler and moving the rack to about 6 inches from the heat. Line a baking sheet with foil and place the chile peppers cut-side down on it. Pop them under the broiler until their skins are blackened and blistered, which usually takes around 5 to 8 minutes.

Steam and Peel Peppers

Once they’re roasted, put the peppers in a bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Let them steam and cool for about 20 minutes—this makes peeling off the skins much easier. After that, peel away the skins and chop up the soft pepper flesh.

Brown Sausage and Bacon

Next, warm up a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and bacon, cooking and stirring until they’re nicely browned, about 5 to 8 minutes. Drain off any extra grease, then toss in the chopped onion and cook until it turns golden, around 3 to 5 minutes.

Simmer and Fluff Rice

Pour water into the skillet and bring it to a boil. Stir in the rice, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer until the water is gone and the rice is tender, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and gently fold in the chopped roasted peppers before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is packed with bold flavors and a comforting mix of textures. The smoky heat from the Hatch chiles pairs perfectly with the savory meat and rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s a great way to enjoy a taste of Southwestern cuisine at home.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of fresh greens or a simple salad to balance the richness. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice on top can add a nice tangy contrast. This dish also pairs well with warm tortillas or crusty bread.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist. For longer storage, freeze in portions and thaw overnight before reheating.