Skinny Dirty Brown Rice With Shrimp

This is an easy-on-your-waistline recipe that still delivers on flavor. "Dirty rice is a classic Cajun dish made "dirty" by cooking the rice with minced livers or gizzards. This is a healthier version using brown rice and lean ground beef", says the author at skinnytaste.com.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 5
• Yields: 6 1/2 cups

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups  uncooked brown rice
• 1  cube Knorr chicken bouillon
• 2  bay leaves, divided use
• 1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne, divided use
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne, divided use
• 1⁄8 teaspoon paprika, divided use
• 1⁄2 teaspoon paprika, divided use
• 1⁄8 teaspoon thyme, divided use
• 1⁄2 teaspoon thyme, divided use
• 1  teaspoon  oil
• 1  onion, diced
• 2  celery ribs, diced
• 1  green bell pepper, diced
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 1⁄2 lb lean ground beef
•  salt and fresh pepper, to taste
• 1  lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2  scallions, chopped

Directions

1. Cook brown rice according to package directions in water along with a chicken bouillon, 1 bay leaf and 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 each of salt, cayenne, paprika and thyme.
2. When the rice is almost done cooking, heat a large heavy saucepan on medium-low heat. Add the oil, onions, green pepper, celery, bay leaf and garlic. Sauté on medium-low heat until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add beef, salt, black pepper, remaining paprika, thyme and cayenne pepper. Sauté until browned, about 10-15 minutes.
4. Add shrimp, cover and cook 5 more minutes.
5. When the rice is done, toss with beef and shrimp and combine well. Top with scallions and serve.