Shrimp Jambalaya Recipe

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Shrimp Jambalaya is an inviting dish that brings warmth and comfort, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or festive gatherings. Join us as we dive into the rich history, essential ingredients, and step-by-step process of creating this mouthwatering meal embodying Southern cuisine's heart and soul.

Shrimp Jambalaya

Ingredients:

- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 1 large onion, diced

- 1 green bell pepper, diced

- 1 red bell pepper, diced

- 2 celery stalks, diced

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 cup long-grain white rice

- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

- 3 cups chicken broth

- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning

- 1 tsp dried thyme

- 1 tsp paprika

- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

- 1 bay leaf

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Shrimp:

- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

- Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

- In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.

- Add the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

- Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Cook the Rice:

- Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf.

- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

4. Combine and Finish:

- Remove the bay leaf from the pot.

- Stir the cooked shrimp back into the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are heated through.

- Season with salt and pepper to taste

5. Garnish and Serve:

- Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley.

- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Shrimp Jambalaya!