Mediterranean Spicy Cajun Cabbage and Rice Skillet

This Mediterranean Spicy Cajun Cabbage and Rice Skillet has a hearty and rich flavor. We prepare this spicy skillet with shredded cabbage, rice, olive oil, onion, garlic, bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, oregano, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. This spicy skillet contains approximately 420 calories and 10 grams of protein. We prepare this spicy skillet in just 45 minutes. This Mediterranean Spicy Cajun Cabbage and Rice Skillet is an excellent choice for busy weeknight dinners, meal prep, family meals, budget-friendly cooking, and wholesome comfort food. This spicy skillet stores well in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 days and can be frozen for nearly 1-2 months, so you can prepare it earlier. You can serve this spicy skillet with Greek Cucumber Yogurt Salad, Grilled Cajun Chicken Strips, Warm Garlic Pita Bread, Lemon Herb Baked Salmon, or Lentil and Vegetable Soup.

STATS:

• Course: Main Dish
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Diet: Mediterranean
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Portion size: 1½ cups
• Cooking mode: Stovetop
• Total servings: 4
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Total time: 45 minutes

TOOLS:

• Large deep skillet
• Wooden spatula
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups green cabbage
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• Two tbsp. olive oil
• One onion
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1½ tsp. Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Black pepper
• 2½ cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt
• Parsley

INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS:

CABBAGE:

• Cabbage adds texture, bulk, and fiber to this skillet while absorbing the bold Cajun flavors. You can also use kale, spinach, or bok choy.

RICE:

• The dish’s sturdy foundation is rice, which expertly soaks up the broth and flavors. As a substitute, you can use basmati rice, brown rice, or quinoa.

OLIVE OIL:

• Olive oil aids in cooking the veggies and includes a rich Mediterranean flavor. Alternatively, you can use avocado oil or sunflower oil.

CAJUN SEASONING:

• Cajun seasoning provides the smoky and spicy flavor. As a replacement, you can use taco seasoning or a chili-garlic spice blend.

VEGETABLE BROTH:

• Vegetable broth adds depth and helps cook the rice while infusing it with flavor. As a further choice, we could utilize chicken broth or mushroom stock.

BELL PEPPER:

• Bell pepper contributes sweetness, color, and a slight crunch to the dish. Instead, you can use zucchini, carrots, or cherry tomatoes.

TOMATO PASTE:

• Tomato paste enhances the savory flavor and gives the skillet a rich, slightly tangy taste. Utilize crushed tomatoes or tomato puree as different options.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. First, warm olive oil in the skillet on a moderate setting.
2. Cook chopped onion till it gets soft and garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Then cook the bell pepper for three minutes.
4. Now mix Cajun seasoning, salt, oregano, chili flakes, paprika, pepper, and rice to coat them properly.
5. Mix the tomato paste and vegetable broth properly and gently boil.
6. Lower the flame and cover the dish to simmer for 18 minutes.
7. Include shredded cabbage and cover again to cook for ten minutes.
8. Lastly, include lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley on top.

TIPS:

• We utilize a heavy-bottom skillet for uniform cooking.
• Avoid stirring the rice too much during simmering to prevent mushiness.
• Include chili flakes to make this skillet spicier.
• Leave this spicy skillet to sit for almost five minutes and then serve for perfect flavor absorption.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

FRESH & LIGHT PAIRINGS:

• Greek cucumber yogurt
• Lemon herb quinoa
• Tomato and feta
• Mediterranean chickpea
• Avocado cucumber salsa

PROTEIN-RICH ADDITIONS:

• Grilled Cajun chicken strips
• Garlic butter shrimp skewers
• Lemon herb baked salmon
• Spiced turkey meatballs
• Pan-seared tofu cubes

BREAD & SIDE COMPANIONS:

• Warm garlic pita bread
• Olive oil brushed focaccia
• Whole wheat naan bread
• Herb butter dinner rolls
• Crispy flatbread chips

SOUPS & COMFORT COMBOS:

• Lentil and vegetable
• Creamy tomato basil
• Spiced carrot ginger
• Mediterranean minestrone
• Garlic mushroom broth

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

• Put this rice skillet in a closed box and stock it for more than three to four days.

FREEZER:

• Store this spicy skillet for only 1-2 months.

FAQs:

How to make this recipe less spicy?

• Reduce Cajun seasoning and exclude chili flakes.

Is brown rice good to include?

• Yes, just include extra broth and cook for a longer time.

Is this recipe vegan?

• Yes, if you use vegetable broth in it.

Can I include protein in the recipe?

• Yes, you may add chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas as per your choice.

NUTRITIONAL FACTS:

Calories: 420 kcal

Sodium: 680 mg

Net carbs: 52 g

Fiber: 6 g

Sugar: 6 g

Fats: 14 g

Proteins: 10 g

Portion Size: 1½ cups

Total carbs: 58 g