Greetings, newfound favorite! I perceive this Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet as a sort of “jambalaya light”. It encompasses comparable flavors and ingredients to jambalaya, yet it is a slightly reduced and simplified rendition, ideal for swift weeknight suppers. And the cherry on top? The leftovers are absolutely delightful. Hence, don’t hesitate to incorporate this delectable skillet dish into your meal preparation schedule!
What Kind of Sausage Do I Use?
For the ultimate flavor in your skillet meal, consider using Andouille sausage, a popular smoked pork sausage often used in Louisiana cuisine. In case it’s not easily accessible in your region (especially outside the southern U.S.), you can substitute it with any other type of smoked sausage. However, if you’re determined to have the authentic taste, you can even go a step further and order Andouille sausage from Cajungrocer.com for the complete experience.
Is Cajun Sausage and Rice Spicy?
The level of spiciness in this dish can vary based on the ingredients you choose. In my version, I used a moderately spicy Andouille sausage and added a touch of cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning. If you prefer a milder taste, opt for a non-spicy smoked sausage and omit the cayenne pepper from the listed spices in the recipe.
Can I Use Store Bought Cajun Seasoning?
The recipe below includes a half batch of my homemade Cajun seasoning, excluding the salt due to the sufficient salt content in the other ingredients used in the skillet. The total quantity of spices utilized is approximately 1 tablespoon. If you prefer to use a store-bought Cajun seasoning blend, it is advisable to check the salt content first. Many store-bought blends tend to have high salt levels and are typically used as seasoning salts or table seasonings, which may not be suitable for this recipe. However, if the blend you have primarily consists of herbs and spices, I would recommend using around 1 tablespoon for this recipe.
Can I Use Brown Rice?
If you decide to use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe, keep in mind that it requires additional liquid and a significantly longer cooking duration. Although I haven’t personally tried a brown rice variation, I would suggest adding at least one extra cup of chicken broth and extending the simmering time to around 40 minutes.
My One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice could be another dish that you’ll absolutely adore!
How to Make Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet – Step by Step Photos
This is the specific Andouille sausage I utilized. However, it might not be easily obtainable in all regions. In case you’re unable to find it, consider opting for any type of smoked pork sausage instead. The essential aspect is to acquire that desired smoky taste!
Take the Andouille and cut it into medallions. Then, put the medallions in a skillet with a tablespoon of cooking oil. Cook them over medium heat until they are nicely browned. Don’t be concerned if the bottom of the skillet gets browned, as it will only enhance the flavor that will be absorbed by the rice later on.
As the sausage browns, take the opportunity to finely chop a bell pepper. Toss it into the skillet and keep sautéing for approximately one minute. Next, introduce the Cajun seasoning blend: a teaspoon of smoked paprika, half a teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried thyme, a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder and onion powder, an eighth teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and another eighth teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper. Carry on sautéing the spices for another minute.
Afterwards, include a 15oz. can of fire roasted diced tomatoes (including the juices), 1 cup of long grain white rice, and 1.5 cups of chicken broth into the skillet. Stir the mixture thoroughly, ensuring that the browned bits on the bottom of the skillet dissolve.
After combining everything, cover the skillet with a lid. Increase the heat to medium-high and wait for the broth to come to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and let the skillet simmer for 20 minutes. (Pictured: before simmering)
Once simmered for 20 minutes, take it off the heat and allow it to rest for an extra five minutes, ensuring the lid remains on. Following the resting period, it will resemble the image depicted above.
Combine the sausage, rice, and bell peppers, ensuring they are evenly distributed. The sight of it is absolutely mouthwatering—I can’t resist the temptation to jump right in!
Serve the skillet by topping it with sliced green onions! It’s a delectable combination of richness, spiciness, smokiness, and pure deliciousness.
