Every once in awhile I would get these bouts of cravings for Cajun food, and I find the easiest way to satisfy it is by whipping up this super simple sausage cajun fried rice. There is buttery garlic goodness, a touch of lemon zest with a cajun kick in every bite! Which makes this the perfect continuation to my Rice is Life series.
Cajun cooking can be traced back to the state of Louisiana, with signature dishes such as gumbo and jambalaya. Cajun cuisine has the perfect blend of spices, with a deep flavor that is simply mouth watering. Even thinking about it while writing this post has me salivating.
INGREDIENTS:
1⁄2 cup vegetable oil
1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
1 large onion, diced
1⁄2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1⁄2 cup chopped celery
1⁄2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1⁄2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1⁄2 cup sliced scallion
6 cloves minced garlic
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon creole seasoning (Tony Chachere’s)
2 lbs any combo of sausage or 2 lbs shrimp or 2 lbs chicken (etc.)
DIRECTIONS:
In a large stockpot combine oil and flour and cook over medium-high heat for about 15 minutes or until it turns very dark brown, almost between brown and black.
You will have to stir almost constantly.
This is called the roux.
Add onions, parsley, celery, bell peppers, scallions, and garlic and cook about 10 more minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring regularly.
Add broth, salt, and creole seasoning.
(If you like you may also add a 10 oz package of frozen okra at this point, but I despise the stuff).
Cover pot and simmer 15 minutes stirring occasionally.
Add your chosen combination of meat at this point and simmer an additional 10 minutes (if using whole pieces of crab-like claws, or blue crab halves cook a little longer to ensure they’re cooked all the way.).
