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To make the Cajun sausage rice skillet, you need: - 1 lb (450g) andouille sausage, sliced into rounds - 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed - 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to your spice preference) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste If you cannot find andouille sausage, you can use chorizo or kielbasa. They add a nice flavor too. For a lighter option, use turkey sausage or chicken sausage. If you want a vegetarian version, swap the sausage with black beans or lentils. For rice, jasmine or basmati can work well if you rinse them first. If you lack chicken broth, vegetable broth is a great substitute. For sausage, I recommend using Aidells or Johnsonville for quality and taste. For Cajun seasoning, Tony Chachere's is a classic choice. When it comes to rice, I prefer Uncle Ben's long-grain rice, as it cooks perfectly every time. For broth, Swanson’s low-sodium chicken broth is trustworthy and flavorful. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced - 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 medium onion, chopped - 1 bell pepper, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can diced tomatoes, drained - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 green onions, sliced for garnish - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Salt and black pepper to taste Make sure to rinse the rice well. This removes excess starch and helps keep the grains separate. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sausage is browned. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes. Cook until the vegetables soften and the onion turns clear. Next, add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir this mixture well. Coat the vegetables in the spices for a rich flavor. Now, add the rinsed rice. Stir it into the vegetable mix. Let it toast for about 2 minutes. This step builds a deeper flavor in the rice. Pour in the chicken broth and drained diced tomatoes. Turn up the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Check the rice to make sure it is tender and has absorbed the liquid. After the cooking time, take the skillet off the heat. Use a fork to fluff the rice. Gently fold in the reserved sausage. Mix everything well. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. For a fresh finish, garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley. You can serve the skillet right on the table for a rustic feel. Or, portion the rice into bowls. A wedge of lime or lemon adds a nice zesty touch to enjoy! To get the best flavor from your Cajun sausage rice skillet, start with quality sausage. Andouille sausage adds a nice kick. If you want more heat, use more cayenne pepper. When adding the Cajun seasoning, make sure you mix it well with the veggies. This helps spread the flavor throughout the dish. Toasting the rice for two minutes also enhances its taste. A common mistake is not rinsing the rice. Rinsing removes excess starch and helps the rice stay fluffy. Don't skip the sauté step for the veggies. This step helps release their natural sweetness. Keep an eye on the cooking time. If you cook the rice too long, it can become mushy. Always check for doneness before taking it off the heat. For a bright touch, garnish with thinly sliced green onions and fresh parsley. A squeeze of lime or lemon adds a fresh zing. Serve the skillet right on the table for a warm vibe. You can also use bowls for individual servings. A side salad pairs nicely for a complete meal. Enjoy your flavorful creation! Pro Tips Use High-Quality Sausage: Opt for a good-quality andouille sausage for the best flavor. The richness of the sausage will enhance the overall taste of the dish. Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming gummy and ensuring a fluffy texture. Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the heat of the dish by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning according to your preference. Let it Rest: After cooking, let the skillet sit covered for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to firm up slightly. {{image_4}} To make a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage. You can also use mushrooms for a hearty texture. Add more veggies, like zucchini or spinach, to enhance the dish. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it rich and flavorful. You can change the protein by using chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. If you choose chicken, use diced breast or thighs. For shrimp, add them during the last few minutes of cooking. Adjust the spices by adding more cayenne or using a different seasoning mix, like Creole or blackening spice, for a unique twist. Cajun cuisine varies by region. In New Orleans, you might find a version with seafood. In the bayous, cooks may add crawfish for a local touch. Each region has its flair, so feel free to experiment with your favorite local ingredients. To store leftovers, let the Cajun sausage rice skillet cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container. Seal it tightly to keep out air. Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a better option. To reheat, take your leftovers from the fridge. Place them in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container. Portion the Cajun sausage rice skillet for easy meals later. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container for expansion. It will keep well for about three months. To use, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, you can enjoy a warm, hearty meal anytime. Yes, you can use other sausages. Chicken sausage or turkey sausage work well. You can also try smoked sausage for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the sausage you choose. This dish lasts up to four days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh and tasty for a few days. Just reheat it gently before serving. You can serve this dish with a simple green salad. A side of cornbread is also great. For extra crunch, try some tortilla chips. These sides balance the hearty skillet well and add textures. This blog post covered essential ingredients and their substitutes for Cajun sausage rice. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions, plus tips for great flavor and serving ideas. We explored different variations, including vegetarian options and regional twists. Lastly, I provided storage info to keep your leftovers fresh. Cajun sausage rice is a fun dish to make and enjoy. With simple steps and tasty options, you can customize it to suit your taste. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Cajun Sausage Rice Skillet

A flavorful one-pan dish featuring andouille sausage, rice, and a blend of Cajun spices.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to your spice preference)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced andouille sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned on the edges. Using a slotted spoon, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet with the remaining oil, add the chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
  • Add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the aromatic spices.
  • Incorporate the rinsed long-grain rice into the skillet, stirring well to combine it with the seasoned vegetable mixture. Allow the rice to toast in the pan for about 2 minutes, which will enhance its flavor.
  • Carefully pour in the chicken broth and the drained diced tomatoes. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
  • After the cooking time, remove the skillet from heat. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains, then fold in the reserved sausage, mixing everything together until well combined.
  • Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne if desired. For a vibrant finish, garnish the Cajun sausage rice skillet with sliced green onions and fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the skillet directly on the table for a rustic feel, or portion the rice into individual bowls. A wedge of lime or lemon on the side adds a lovely zesty contrast to the dish.
Keyword Cajun, one-pan, rice, sausage, skillet