Cajun Smoked Sausage and Seafood Stew
A bold, savory dish packed with smoky, spicy Cajun flavors!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb crawfish tails, cooked
- 6-8 chicken wings
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken Wings:
- Season the chicken wings with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Sear them in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat with a splash of oil until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage and Veggies:
- In the same pot, add the smoked sausage slices. Cook until slightly browned, then remove and set aside.
- Add chopped onion, green bell pepper, and roasted red pepper to the pot. Sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Build the Stew Base:
- Pour in the chicken stock and stir to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits for added flavor.
- Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning and poultry seasoning. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Simmer the Proteins:
- Return the chicken wings and smoked sausage to the pot. Simmer on medium heat for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Seafood:
- Add the shrimp and crawfish tails to the pot. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Serve:
- Serve the stew hot over white rice, or enjoy as is with a side of crusty bread. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Optional Additions or Variations:
- Spicier Kick: Add cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Veggies: Add okra, celery, or diced tomatoes for more variety.
- Thicker Stew: Mix 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with water and stir into the stew to thicken it.
This sounds like a dish that packs a punch with hearty ingredients and bold Cajun flavors. Let me know if you’d like me to tweak this or add more details!