Cajun "Dirty" Rice

Ingredients

• 1 cup converted or medium-grain rice
• 1 Tbs olive oil
• ½ cup yellow bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup sweet onion, diced
• ½ cup celery, diced
• 1 lg garlic clove, minced
• 1 Tbs Cajun Seasoning
• 1 heaping Tbs tomato paste
• Kosher salt
• 2 Tbs fresh lime juice, more to taste
• 2 Tbs unsalted butter, cubed
• Scallions, sliced
• Hot sauce

Directions

1. For the seasoning, mix all ingredients together and store in a jar (for up to a year).
2. In a medium saucepan, cook the rice according to package directions.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat the oil.
4. Add the pepper, onion, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
5. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, tomato paste, and ½ teaspoon salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes.
6. Add the lime juice, then the butter, and stir until the butter melts.
7. Stir the mixture into the rice, and gently reheat if necessary. Season to taste with lime juice and ½ teaspoon salt.
8. Serve topped with sliced scallions and hot sauce, if you like.