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Flavorful Cajun Jambalaya Recipe with Andouille Sausage and Shrimp

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A hearty and authentic Cajun jambalaya featuring smoky andouille sausage and tender shrimp, balanced with perfectly spiced rice and vegetables. Ready in under 45 minutes, this dish is perfect for casual dinners or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced (preferably smoked)
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium-sized)
  • 1 ½ cups long grain white rice, rinsed
  • 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of green and red)
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley and green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: rinse the rice under cold water until clear, then drain. Chop bell peppers, celery, and onion finely. Slice andouille sausage into ¼-inch rounds. Peel and devein shrimp if needed. Mince garlic.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add andouille sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving fat in pan.
  3. Add remaining tablespoon of oil to pan. Sauté onion, bell peppers, and celery until veggies soften and onion is translucent, about 7-8 minutes.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Mix in tomato paste and Cajun seasoning, stirring to coat veggies evenly.
  5. Add rinsed rice and stir to combine. Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
  6. Simmer gently for about 20 minutes without lifting the lid. Check rice after 15 minutes and add a splash more broth or water if dry. Rice should be tender with slight bite after 20 minutes.
  7. Stir cooked sausage back into pot. Nestle shrimp on top, cover, and cook until shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 5 minutes. Avoid overcooking shrimp.
  8. Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped parsley and green onions over the top before serving.

Notes

Rinse rice thoroughly to prevent stickiness. Use smoked andouille sausage for authentic flavor. Add shrimp near the end to avoid overcooking. If jambalaya is too wet after cooking, leave lid off on low heat to evaporate excess moisture. Avoid stirring rice too often during simmering to ensure even cooking. For gluten-free, verify Cajun seasoning ingredients. Brown rice can be substituted but requires longer cooking time and more liquid.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun jambalaya, andouille sausage, shrimp jambalaya, Southern recipe, spicy rice dish, easy jambalaya, authentic Cajun

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/flavorful-cajun-jambalaya-recipe-with-andouille-sausage-and-shrimp-easy-and-authentic/