Flavorful Garlic Lovers “Dirty” Rice (Keto, One-Pan & Hearty!)

Flavorful Garlic Lovers “Dirty” Rice (Keto, One-Pan & Hearty!)

Bring bold flavors to your table with this Flavorful Garlic Lovers “Dirty” Rice! This hearty, low-carb rendition features savory smoked sausage, tender bell peppers, and onion, all simmered with “riced” cauliflower and generously seasoned with a rich garlic blend. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s naturally keto-friendly, high-protein, and gluten-free – perfect for a satisfying dinner!

Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 package (12-14 ounces) smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds (KETO NOTE: Check for no added sugar or fillers)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 medium bell peppers (any color, e.g., green, red, yellow), chopped
• 1 (12-ounce) package cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon garlic lovers seasoning (e.g., FlavorGod Garlic Lovers, or your favorite blend)
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Optional: ¼ cup chicken broth or water (if needed for simmering)
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Equipment:

• Large skillet or deep frying pan with a lid
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions:

1. Prep Ingredients: Slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch rounds. Chop the onion and bell peppers.
2. Brown Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the same skillet (add a little more olive oil if the pan is dry).
   • Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
4. Add Cauliflower Rice & Seasonings: Add the cauliflower rice (if frozen, no need to thaw) to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
   • Sprinkle generously with garlic lovers seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
   • If the pan seems dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water.
5. Simmer & Combine: Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low.
   • Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower rice is tender but not mushy.
   • Return the browned smoked sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
6. Serve & Enjoy! Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your flavorful “dirty” rice!

Tips for Success:

• Sausage Choice is Key for Keto: Always check the label of your smoked sausage for hidden sugars or fillers, as many brands contain them. Look for 0g added sugar.
• Don’t Overcook Cauliflower Rice: Cauliflower rice cooks quickly. You want it tender but not mushy, so monitor it closely.
• Freshness of Bell Peppers/Onion: These add crucial texture and aromatic depth to the dish.
• Garlic Lovers Seasoning: While “Garlic Lovers” sounds delicious, always give any pre-made spice blends a quick check for hidden sugars or anti-caking agents that might add unwanted carbs.
• One-Pan Convenience: This recipe is designed for easy cleanup in one skillet.
• Customization: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick, or some finely diced celery along with the onion and bell peppers for more traditional “holy trinity” flavors.

Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:

This Garlic Lovers “Dirty” Rice is a delicious addition to your health journey!

• High Protein: Yes, from the smoked sausage.
• Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb by using cauliflower rice as the base.
• Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, provided the smoked sausage and garlic lovers seasoning are sugar-free/low-carb.
• Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

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