Nearly 10 years ago we visited Charleston, SC for the first time. We love Charleston and have been back many times since, but on that first trip we discovered a local dish called Red Rice at Hyman’s Seafood. Neither of us had ever heard of red rice, so we asked the waiter about it. They said that it was a tomato-y rice and sausage dish that had a bit of heat. That sounded good to us, so we ordered it and were absolutely floored. We’ve been hooked ever since. 

Charleston Red Rice is South Carolina low country dish similar to the sausage and rice that I grew up with as a kid, except much better. Sausage, onions, and bell pepper is a good base for any dish, but it’s fabulous with rice. We typically make a batch of red rice as a main dish, but it’s an amazing side dish as well. It’s warm and spicy and would be great for those chilly evenings coming over the next few months. 

Red rice is one of the best local specialty dishes that I’ve found. It’s simple and delicious. What are some of your favorites?