Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of New Orleans! Our Jambalaya with Sausage and Shrimp is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering. With succulent shrimp, hearty smoked sausage, and aromatic spices, this one-pot wonder is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. In just one hour, you can create a dish that will impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds. Ready to dive into this Cajun classic? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. This includes 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp, 1 lb of smoked sausage sliced into rounds, 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped bell pepper, 2 cups of rice, 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage. Sauté the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned and has released some of its flavorful oils.
- Next, add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not burnt.
- Add the rice to the pot and stir well to combine, allowing the rice to toast slightly for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the Cajun seasoning. Stir everything together, making sure the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as it will release steam.
- After 20 minutes, check the rice for doneness. If the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, add the shrimp. If not, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
- Once the shrimp are added, cover the pot again and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
- Once the jambalaya is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Fluff the jambalaya with a fork and serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and slice the sausage in advance. This way, you can easily throw everything together when you're ready to cook.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste. You can always add more later, but it's hard to take it out once it's in!
- Don't Rush the Simmer: Allow the jambalaya to simmer undisturbed with the lid on. This ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- Perfect Shrimp: To avoid rubbery shrimp, add them towards the end of the cooking process. They only need about 5-7 minutes to cook through when added to the hot mixture.
- Garnish for Flair: Elevate your dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors.
- Leftover Magic: If you have any leftovers, they make for a fantastic lunch the next day! Just reheat gently to enjoy the flavors all over again.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 220mg
