It’s no secret that Cajun cuisine has one of my favorite flavor profiles. The depth and the layers of smoky, sweet, spicy, and savory tastes are sure to make anyone’s mouth water! And when you mix it with a hearty dose of quinoa, you get one of my husband’s new favorite meals (and since it only takes one pan, it’s one of my new favorites, too!)! 😋
If you don’t have any pre-mixed Cajun seasoning on hand, it’s easy to make from spices you have in your pantry already. Just mix together:
- 2 TBSP smoked paprika (sweet paprika works, too)
- 1 TBSP garlic powder
- 1 TBSP salt
- 2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
No joke about it—this dish is going to knock your socks off!
One-Pan Cajun Quinoa
2 Andouille sausage links, sliced
1-2 TBSP olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 green onions, sliced thin
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups quinoa
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
2 cups chicken stock
Put a large, deep sauté pan on medium heat, and sear the sausage slices on both sides. Remove the sausages to a plate, then add the olive oil, onions, and bell peppers to the pan. Cook and stir for about 4 minutes, until the onions begin to turn translucent, then add in the green onions and garlic. Cook until fragrant, then stir in the quinoa. Cook and stir until the quinoa is fragrant, then add in the Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and chicken stock. Cover the pan, and let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the cover, add in the sausage, and cook together just until the sausage is heated through. Serve immediately.
Serves up to 6.
Hapanese Cuisine 