Low Country Pilau with Shrimp and Georgia Pecans
Southern rice dishes go by many names—pilau, purloo, and pilaf, among others. Regardless of the name, rice is the central element, absorbing the traditional flavors of bacon and onion, will supporting other textures like crunchy, toasted pecans and tender seafood.

Makes 6 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes

6 strips bacon, halved
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 cups long grain rice, well rinsed
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt
3 sprigs parsley plus 2 tablespoons chopped
3 1/2 cups water
2 teaspoons vegetable oil, separated
1 cup Georgia pecan halves
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and cleaned

1. In a large Dutch oven cook bacon over medium heat until crisp and lightly browned. Remove bacon strips and set aside. Add onion and green pepper to bacon drippings in heavy saucepan and sauté until softened—about 5 minutes.
2. Add the pepper flakes and half the garlic to onion mixture and cook 1 minute. Stir in rice, thyme, bay leaf, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the parsley sprigs and water and heat to boiling. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook, covered, until rice is tender—20 to 25 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat. Add the pecans, chili powder and a pinch of salt. Cook just until pecans are toasted and fragrant; remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Add remaining teaspoon oil to skillet. Stir in remaining garlic, the shrimp and a pinch of salt. Sauté until shrimp are pink and just cooked through. Remove skillet from heat and cover to keep shrimp warm.
5. When rice is cooked, remove parsley sprigs and bay leaf. Stir half the shrimp and pecans into rice, then transfer mixture to a large serving platter. Top platter with remaining shrimp, pecans, the chopped parsley and finally the reserved strips of bacon. Serve immediately.

Per Serving: Calories: 526; Protein: 31g; Carbohydrate: 57g; Fiber: 3g; Fat: 19; Saturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 178mg; Sodium: 451mg.

Source: Georgia Pecan Commission