Creole Jambalaya Shrimp Risotto (Print version)

Fusion of creamy Arborio rice, shrimp, and smoky sausage with bold Creole spices and peppers.

# What you'll need:

→ Seafood & Protein

01 - 14 oz large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 5 oz andouille sausage, sliced

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
06 - 2 celery stalks, diced
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Rice & Liquids

08 - 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
09 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken or seafood stock, kept warm
10 - ½ cup dry white wine

→ Spices & Seasoning

11 - 1 tsp paprika
12 - ½ tsp cayenne pepper
13 - 1 tsp dried thyme
14 - ½ tsp dried oregano
15 - 1 bay leaf
16 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Fats & Garnish

17 - 2 tbsp olive oil
18 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
19 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
20 - 2 spring onions, sliced
21 - Lemon wedges, to serve

# How to make it:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the andouille sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
02 - Add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the onion, bell peppers, and celery for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
03 - Add the Arborio rice and toast gently for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
04 - Pour in the white wine and stir until almost fully absorbed.
05 - Add the paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and cooked sausage. Mix well.
06 - Begin adding the warm stock, one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. Continue for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is creamy and al dente.
07 - When the rice is almost done, season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Stir them into the risotto and cook for 3–4 minutes until pink and just cooked through.
08 - Remove from heat. Stir in butter, half the parsley, and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with spring onions, the remaining parsley, and lemon wedges.

# Expert suggestions:

01 -
  • The fusion creates something entirely new while honoring both traditions beautifully
  • One pot meal that feels fancy enough for dinner parties but casual enough for Tuesday nights
02 -
  • Stirring frequently releases starch from the rice, creating that luxurious creamy texture risotto is famous for
  • Have your stock warmed before you start cooking or the risotto will cook unevenly
03 -
  • Taste your rice throughout the process so you catch it at that perfect al dente moment
  • The risotto will continue thickening off the heat, so remove it from the stove while it still looks slightly looser than you want