Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya is a flavorful and hearty dish inspired by the traditional Creole cuisine of Louisiana. It combines succulent shrimp, spicy sausage, and aromatic vegetables with a blend of Cajun seasonings and rice. This one-pot meal is perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners and is sure to satisfy your cravings for bold and delicious flavors.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-6 minutes.
Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the vegetables and flavors. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the cooked sausage and shrimp. Cover the pot again and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing the jambalaya with a fork.
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve the Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya hot.
TIPS
- Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your preference.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables such as diced tomatoes, okra, or corn to the jambalaya for added flavor and texture.
- Use a good-quality Cajun seasoning blend or make your own with a combination of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano.
- For extra richness, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of butter at the end of cooking.
- Serve the jambalaya with a side of crusty bread or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 calories
- Protein: Around 20-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50 grams
- Fat: Around 15-20 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 3-5 grams
