Soulful Shrimp and Sausage Risotto

Ingredients

While the original Italian risotto is traditionally made with Arborio rice and flavored with ingredients like Parmesan cheese and white wine, our Soulful Shrimp and Sausage Risotto takes a departure by incorporating Creole spices, shrimp, and sausage. This adaptation infuses the dish with a bold and spicy flavor profile, reminiscent of the vibrant and soulful cuisine of the American South. We alse have the original recipe for Risotto, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 cup (185g) Arborio rice 1 cup (185g) Arborio rice
• 1/2 cup (120ml) white wine 1/2 cup (120ml) white wine
• 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 pound (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/2 pound (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound (225g) smoked sausage, sliced 1/2 pound (225g) smoked sausage, sliced
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugars: 3g)
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, heat the chicken broth and vegetable broth over medium heat. Keep it warm.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. 3.
   Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the oil and vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice becomes translucent.
4. 4.
   Pour in the white wine and cook until it is absorbed by the rice.
5. 5.
   Add the Creole seasoning, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine the spices with the rice.
6. 6.
   Begin adding the warm broth to the skillet, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly. Allow the rice to absorb the broth before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is cooked al dente, about 20 minutes.
7. 7.
   While the risotto is cooking, in a separate skillet, cook the shrimp and smoked sausage until they are cooked through and slightly browned.
8. 8.
   Once the risotto is cooked, stir in the cooked shrimp, sausage, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the flavors are well combined and the risotto has a creamy consistency.
10. 10.
    Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the Soulful Shrimp and Sausage Risotto garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to devein the shrimp before cooking to remove the digestive tract. This can be done by making a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and removing the dark vein.
• Smoked sausage — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a mild or sweet smoked sausage instead of a spicy one.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a creamy risotto, stir the rice constantly while adding the broth gradually. This helps release the starch from the rice, creating a velvety texture.
• If you prefer a spicier risotto, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to taste.
• For a smoky flavor, you can use Andouille sausage instead of smoked sausage.
• Leftover risotto can be transformed into delicious arancini (fried risotto balls) by shaping the cold risotto into balls, coating them in breadcrumbs, and frying until golden brown.
• Serve the risotto immediately after cooking to enjoy its creamy texture at its best.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Shrimp and Sausage Risotto as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. It pairs well with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Presentation advice

For an elegant presentation, plate the risotto in individual bowls or on a large serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few extra shrimp on top. The vibrant colors of the dish will make it visually appealing and inviting.