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A soulful bowl of Jollof rice brimming with shrimp and sausage slices, garnished with parsley on a marble surface. A fork and napkin rest nearby.

Mrs. Robinson’s Soulful Red Rice with Shrimp and Sausage

A blonde woman in a white suit smiling at a table.Sarah Thompson
A beloved family recipe from Michelle Obama’s mother, Mrs. Robinson’s Red Rice is a soul-warming dish that combines shrimp, sausage, and bacon in a tomato-rich, savory rice.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Meal Type Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 410 kcal
Difficulty Medium
Ingredient Cost $12
Shopping Cost$28

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Medium saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
 
 

For the Rice:

  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice rinsed
  • 2 cups tomato juice
  • 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Protein:

  • 4 slices bacon diced
  • ½ pound smoked sausage like andouille or kielbasa, sliced
  • ½ pound shrimp peeled and deveined

For the Seasoning:

  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon hot sauce adjust to taste
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley Chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Bacon and Sausage:

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet. Add the smoked sausage slices to the pan and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
    4 slices bacon, 1/2 pound smoked sausage, Freshly ground black pepper

Sauté the Onions:

  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onions to the bacon drippings and sauté until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. This step adds a deep, savory flavor to the rice.
    1 medium onion, 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice

Combine Rice and Liquids:

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato juice, broth, and salt. Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
    2 cups tomato juice, 1 cup chicken broth, 1/2 teaspoon salt

Add Proteins and Seasonings:

  • Gently fold the cooked bacon, sausage, and shrimp into the rice. Stir in the hot sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking on low heat for another 5-10 minutes, until the shrimp is pink and cooked through.
    1/2 pound shrimp, 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Serve:

  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot, enjoying the warmth and flavor of this traditional family recipe.
    fresh parsley

Notes

For Extra Spice: Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for added heat.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meats with smoked tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, and use vegetable broth.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 19gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 833mgPotassium: 487mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 392IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 56mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Comfort Food, family recipe, Obama family recipe, red rice, shrimp and sausage rice

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

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