Red Red Rice is an easy side dish that we have been making for years. So different and a tasty change from traditional rice dishes with so many options!
Red Red Rice is a great addition to any main course and is always a hit at family gatherings. I actually get requests for it! If you are in the mood for something new this recipe is definitely worth a try, especially if you enjoy rice.
The name Red Red Rice actually comes from a popular song called Red Red Wine written by Neil Diamond and later performed by UB40.
I can't even remember who decided to give this dish that name but it has stuck after all these years! I don't know if anyone remembers either of them but we definitely do!
This is definitely a great addition to any meal or perfect for any occasion. Kids and adults alike will thank you!
Red Red Rice can be easily adjusted to suit your personal tastes. You can easily change the vegetables that are added to make this dish your own! You can easily leave out the bacon or substitute ham!
Ingredients in Red Red Rice
- bacon
- onion
- carrots
- sweet peppers
- diced tomatoes
- tomato paste
- pepper
- salt
- cooked rice
- chicken broth
Options
- garlic
- peas
- corn
- mushrooms
- ham
- cooked sausage
- hot sauce
How to make Red Red Rice
In a large skillet, or pot with a lid, over medium heat, fry bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and allow to drain on paper towel. Using paper towel wipe out your skillet or pot, leaving a few tablespoons of bacon grease behind.
Add onions, carrots and peppers. Cover and cook for a few minutes.
Remove lid and add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, cooked bacon, broth, salt, pepper and rice. Stir until incorporated.
Bring to a boil and stir continuously for a few minutes. Cover again and cook over low heat for about 15 minutes or rice dish is totally blended together. Serve and enjoy!
There are so many possibilities! I would love to hear what you do to make this recipe even better! Have a look at our video below so you can see how easy this side is to make for yourself!
Red Red Rice Video
Red Red Rice
Equipment
- saucepan with lid or skillet with lid
Ingredients
- 12 slices thick sliced bacon, chopped
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- ½ cup peppers, chopped
- 2 cups diced tomatoes, canned
- 1 can (5.5-6 oz) tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
OPTIONS
- 1-2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) peas
- 1 can (14 oz) corn
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped, sauteed
- 1 cup ham, chopped
- 1 cup sausage, ground, cooked
- hot sauce to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, or pot with a lid, over medium heat, fry bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and allow to drain on paper towel. Using paper towel wipe out your skillet or pot, leaving a few tablespoons of bacon grease behind.
- Add onions, carrots and peppers. Cover and cook for a few minutes.
- Remove lid and add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, cooked bacon, broth, salt, pepper and rice. Stir until incorporated.
- Bring to a boil and stir continuously for a few minutes. Cover again and cook over low heat for about 15 minutes or rice dish is totally blended together. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
DY says
Please do your research on this dish and its derivation. It’s a bit disrespectful when you don’t know and/or acknowledge the history behind such a deeply cultural meal. I promise, it has NOTHING to do with Neil Diamond!
Karin and Ken says
I had no idea. Please fill me in. That’s how I was introduced to it. Does the dish have a real name? I in no way meant to be disrespectful. All the best. Karin