Save A bold, comforting Southern-inspired dish featuring smoky sausage, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice cooked all in one pot for a hearty meal.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite for its depth of flavor and simplicity. I especially love how the smoky sausage blends with the spices for a warming meal.
Ingredients
- Smoked sausage: 300 g (10 oz) Andouille or kielbasa, sliced
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Green bell pepper: 1, diced
- Celery stalks: 2, sliced
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced
- Long-grain white rice: 250 g (1 1/4 cups), rinsed
- Chicken broth: 750 ml (3 cups), low sodium preferred
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400 g 14 oz), with juice
- Cajun seasoning: 1 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Dried thyme: 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp optional for extra heat
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped optional garnish
- Spring onions: 2 sliced optional garnish
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned about 4 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Step 2:
- In the same pot add onion bell peppers and celery. Sauté until softened about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 3:
- Add the rinsed rice and sauté for 2 minutes stirring frequently until lightly toasted.
- Step 4:
- Stir in Cajun seasoning smoked paprika thyme cayenne if using diced tomatoes with juice and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 5:
- Return the sausage to the pot. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes or until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 6:
- Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and spring onions before serving if desired.
Save Preparing this meal always sparks warm conversations around the table with my family, making it a beloved dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp lager or a glass of off-dry Riesling to balance the spicy Cajun flavors.
Variations
Try adding frozen peas in the last 5 minutes for extra color and nutrition without altering the overall flavor.
Storage
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze nicely for up to 2 months.
Save This dish delivers authentic Cajun taste with minimal effort perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different sausage for this dish?
Yes, substituting turkey or chicken sausage provides a lighter variation while maintaining rich flavors.
- → Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Adding cayenne pepper increases heat; adjust amount to preference for a bolder kick.
- → What side dishes pair well with this meal?
A crisp lager or off-dry Riesling complements the bold flavors nicely, along with simple green salads.
- → Can frozen vegetables be added?
A handful of frozen peas added in the last few minutes of cooking adds color and extra nutrition.
- → How do I ensure the rice cooks evenly?
Use medium-low heat when simmering, cover the pot, and allow the rice to absorb liquids fully for tender results.