Rice is the main ingredient in the Southern soul-food dish dirty rice.
Dirty rice is a Louisiana rice dish traditionally colored and flavored by finely chopped chicken livers and other savory ingredients. The liver gives the cooked rice its characteristic darker appearance, which inspired the name. Ground meat, onions, celery, bell pepper, and seasonings are also common.
The dish belongs to the broader family of seasoned rice preparations found throughout Louisiana and the American South. It is often served as a side dish, although substantial versions can function as a main course.
Dirty rice is sometimes confused with rice dressing. The two dishes overlap in ingredients and regional usage, but rice dressing is generally associated with a stuffing-like preparation, while dirty rice is identified especially by its dark color and traditional use of organ meat. Recipes vary considerably between households and restaurants.