Happy Valentine’s Day! Are you guys up to anything special/ romantic tonight?
I’m currently sitting in bed listening to the Maroon 5 Pandora station (which is really like the John Mayer/ One Republic/ Swoon worthy guitar strumming studs station ), drinking coffee, and trying to get a push of energy! I have a few V-day tricks up my sleeve that involve chocolate, bourbon and a very lacy red dress, so I need to get on it. Pretty sure it’s going to take me 45 minutes just to get one arm in that dang dress (belly fulla shrimp & chorizo cajun jambalaya). But it’s worth it 😉
Moving on! Let’s talk about jambalaya! This is my new favorite meal. This is his new favorite meal. This is your new favorite meal! You just gotta trust me on this.
You gotta just jump head first into this spicy/ saucy mix of shrimp and chorizo; rice and vegetables. It will only take one bite before you too are consumed with holy-heck-jambalaya obsession. And there’s no going back!
But um. Why would you want to? (Answer – you DON’T)
This meal comes together quickly and easily, and it feeds an army!
Or just two lovers who <3 leftovers.
Tonight we’ll be taking a romantic – albeit freezing – stroll through Brooklyn to our favorite Neapolitan Pizza Restaurant, then… who knows?! I’m just excited for a real date with my favorite guy. I’m also excited to not wash a single dish for one whole day! That’s right folks, he’s the dishwasher today. Best gift ever? I think so 😉
I hope whatever you guys do tonight is your definition of perfection. Xo
Shrimp & Chorizo Cajun Jambalaya
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chorizo, sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 green bell pepper, cored and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 teaspoons diced fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon diced fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 2 1/2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions, divided
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley, divided
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Once oil is shimmering add the chorizo and saute for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Using a slotted spoon remove the chorizo from the pan and transfer to a paper towel lined plate; set aside.
- Add the butter, onions, celery and peppers to the same pot and saute for 8 to 10 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
- Add the garlic, jalapeno, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and tomato paste and cook until all the vegetables and herbs are blended well.
- Add the stock and tomatoes and bring to a boil. Stir in the rice, and add the sausage, bay leaves, salt, pepper and hot sauce.
- Return to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 25 minutes.
- Add 1/2 of the basil, 1/2 of the scallions, and 1/2 of the parsley, the lime juice and the shrimp, and stir well. Cover the pot, remove it from heat, and allow the jambalaya steam for 20 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with the remaining basil, scallions, and parsley. Add hot sauce, salt, and pepper as needed.
Consuelo @ Honey & Figs says
This dish looks phenomenal, Ashley! I can see why it is your favorite.
Enjoy your night <3
Kate @ Diethood says
Daaaayum! That looks SO GOOD! Comfort food at its best!
Christine @ Cooking with Cakes says
chorizo is everything!! seriously one of my fav meats ever, and this dish looks epic! perfectly warm and comforting for this chilly winter weather 🙂
Eileen says
I haven’t had a good jambalaya in far too long! This may call for a trip to the store and an evening ver the stove ASAP. 🙂
bakerbynature says
Yes! I think that’s a first class idea 🙂
cassie says
Share a pic of that red dress lady, sounds fabulous! As does this jambalaya. Great flavors!!
bakerbynature says
The red dress wasn’t so um… flattering after 4 slices of pizza 😉
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says
Have a fabulous night! This jambalaya looks crazy good.
bakerbynature says
Thank you sweet girl! xo
Katie says
Mmm I love me a good jambalaya recipe! This sounds divine!
Jessica @ Portuguese Girl Cooks says
Dishwashing is the best gift ever! You make the BEST food, this looks to die for! Happy V Day!
bakerbynature says
Awwww thank you, girl! xoxo
Alyssa (Everyday Maven) says
Jambalaya is one of my favorite dishes – yours looks awesome! Happy V Day and have fun <3
Heidi says
I’ll chime in with your man, Jambalaya is my favorite meal too. Digging the chorizo twist. Happy vday, looking forward to insta pics of that red dress.