Cajun Sausage Rice (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb Cajun style smoked sausage, sliced into ½ inch pieces
02 - ½ cup bell pepper, diced
03 - ½ cup yellow onion, diced
04 - ½ cup celery, diced
05 - 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1 cup white rice
08 - 2 cups chicken broth
09 - 15 oz can crushed tomatoes

→ Cajun Seasonings

10 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
11 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
13 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder

# Instructions:

01 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the sliced sausage. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then add the bell pepper, onion, and celery. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and vegetables are softened, about 5-6 minutes. If the sausage doesn't produce much grease, add olive oil to help the vegetables cook.
02 - Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
03 - Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, then add the rice. Stir everything together to combine and distribute the ingredients evenly.
04 - Add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
05 - Cover the skillet with a lid and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook according to the rice package instructions (typically 15-18 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
06 - Once the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, remove from heat. Let rest for 2-3 minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve hot.

# Notes:

01 - The holy trinity of Cajun cooking - bell pepper, onion, and celery - provides authentic Louisiana flavor
02 - Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan
03 - If your sausage is lean, add the olive oil to help cook the vegetables properly
04 - Let the dish rest a few minutes after cooking for the rice to finish absorbing liquid