Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
If you’re looking to make this dish a bit healthier, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, though you’ll need to adjust cooking times accordingly. For a vegetarian twist, swap out the sausage for a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth to keep the rich flavors intact.
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent and the peppers are soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, and cayenne pepper, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat with the oil and spices. Cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly toasted, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Return the sausage to the skillet, placing it on top of the rice. Layer the shrimp over the sausage and rice, then cover and cook for another 8-10 minutes, until the rice is tender and the shrimp are cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
As you cook, remember my abuela’s advice: don’t just follow the recipe, follow your senses. Taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning to your preference. It’s what makes each dish uniquely yours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International