Ingredients
Olive oil: adds richness and helps brown the sausage look for a good quality extra virgin oil for better flavor
Cajun style Andouille smoked sausage: gives deep smoky notes and a little kick you can use any smoked sausage you like but Andouille is classic
Yellow onion, diced: adds sweetness and body choose one that feels firm and heavy
Green pepper, diced: brings color and a fresh clean bite pick one with bright skin free of spots
Jalapeno, diced (optional): for those who like a little extra heat look for firm glossy peppers
Fire and Smoke Society’s The Usual all purpose blend or your favorite seasoning mix: gives a savory backbone opt for blends that do not have fillers
Slap Ya Mama seasoning: for an authentic Cajun punch skip it for a milder version
Garlic powder and onion powder: for concentrated flavor make sure your spices are fresh for best results
Fresh garlic cloves, minced: give an aromatic depth always use plump unblemished cloves
Tomato paste: for umami richness choose pure paste without added sugar
Uncooked long grain white rice: I love Basmati because it cooks up fluffy and absorbs flavors so well
Fire roasted diced tomatoes: for a charred sweetness go for a reputable brand for the best taste
Beef or chicken broth: transforms everything into a flavorful stew make sure to use low sodium if you want to control salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep and Sear the Sausage:
Slice the Cajun sausage into coins and heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage in a single layer and sauté until the edges brown and become crisp. This step develops an intense layer of flavor that makes the final dish special. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Add diced yellow onion green pepper and jalapeno to the pot. Sprinkle in your all purpose seasoning garlic powder onion powder and Slap Ya Mama blend if using. Stir well and let the vegetables sweat over medium heat for about five minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This slow sauté draws out natural sweetness and melds the spices.
Bloom the Garlic and Tomato Paste:
Add your minced garlic and cook for about one minute just until you smell its aroma. Next drop in the tomato paste and stir constantly for two minutes. The paste will darken and lose any tinny flavor building a savory base for the dish.
Combine and Simmer:
Return the crispy sausage to the pot. Add uncooked rice fire roasted tomatoes and your broth of choice. Stir everything together so the rice is evenly distributed. Bring the liquid to a boil then reduce heat to a low simmer and cover. Let it cook undisturbed for about twenty minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.
Finish and Serve:
Lift the lid and give everything a gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The rice should be fluffy the sausage juicy and every grain should be packed with flavor. Serve piping hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like.
A close up of a dish with rice and sausage.
Save
A close up of a dish with rice and sausage. | lilicooks.com
×
