Andouille sausage adds a nice smoky, spicy flavor to dishes! Here’s a simple but delicious recipe for Andouille Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya. It’s a classic Creole dish that’s packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Sausage:

   • Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and brown the andouille sausage slices for about 5-6 minutes, until they’re crispy around the edges. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.

2. Cook the Veggies:

   • In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and celery for about 5 minutes, until softened.
   • Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add Rice and Spices:

   • Stir in the uncooked rice, paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne (if using), and smoked paprika (if using). Let the rice toast for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Simmer the Jambalaya:

   • Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

5. Add Sausage and Shrimp:

   • After 15 minutes, add the cooked sausage back to the pot, along with the shrimp. Stir everything together, cover again, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through and the rice is tender.

6. Final Touches:

   • Taste and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, cayenne, etc.). Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Tips:

• You can also add other veggies like okra or tomatoes if you like.
• For extra flavor, try adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes when serving.

This recipe is a great one-pot meal that's hearty, flavorful, and easy to make!