Charleston Red Rice

Red Rice is a classic Lowcountry side dish that's made by cooking long grain white rice in the oven with bacon, onion, garlic and tomato paste. The end result is tender, fluffy rice with rich tomato flavor, a touch of sweetness and a hint of smokiness. Charleston Red Rice was first brought to the American South by enslaved Africans, and has been perfected by the Gullah Geechee people for generations. Serve this simple red rice recipe with any of your favorite Southern meals, such as chicken and gravy, fried catfish or pulled pork.