Last Updated on November 17, 2023
Kevin Belton Pastalaya is a Cajun-inspired dish with an incredibly flavorful combination of shrimp, smoked sausage, and vegetables. This easy one-pot meal is a classic dish of the Creole and Cajun cuisines and is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal in under an hour.
A perfect blend of flavors, this dish is the perfect way to bring a little bit of Louisiana to your kitchen.
What Is Kevin Belton Pastalaya?
Kevin Belton is an American chef, educator, and television personality who specializes in Cajun and Creole cuisine. His Pastalaya recipe is a delicious twist on traditional Jambalaya, a popular dish from the Louisiana region.
This dish consists of shrimp, smoked sausage, vegetables, and seasonings, all cooked in a flavorful broth. It is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal in under an hour.
The flavors of this dish blend together to create a truly delicious and unique meal that is sure to be a hit with the family.
Why You’ll Love This Kevin Belton Pastalaya?
This Kevin Belton Pastalaya is a great way to enjoy a flavorful and unique meal without having to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
It is an easy one-pot meal that can be made in under an hour. It is also a great way to enjoy a classic Cajun dish without having to travel to Louisiana.
This recipe is sure to be a hit with the family and is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
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The Ingredients
- Shrimp: This is the star of the dish, adding a delicious seafood element.
- Smoked Sausage: Provides a savory and smoky flavor to the dish.
- Long-Grain Rice: Perfect for absorbing all the flavors in this dish.
- Vegetables (Celery, Onion, Red Bell Pepper): Adds texture, color, and flavor to the Pastalaya.
- Creole Seasoning: A must for that authentic Cajun flavor.
- Garlic and Thyme Leaves: Add depth and aroma to the dish.
- Chicken Stock and Bloody Mary Mix: Infuses richness and a tangy, spicy kick to this flavorful dish.
- Parsley and Green Onions: Used for garnish, adding a fresh burst of flavor and color to the dish.
- Vegetable Oil: For cooking the vegetables and ensuring all ingredients are well-coated and infused with flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients
The first step is to prep the ingredients. Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. Cut the smoked sausage into slices and dice the celery. Mince the garlic and parsley. Measure out the rice and set aside.
Step 2: Adding the Ingredients
In a big saucepan, heat vegetable oil. Add chopped onion, celery, and red bell pepper, and cook for around 7 minutes until the veggies are tender, stirring often to avoid sticking.
Add the sausage cubes, minced garlic, Creole seasoning, paprika, oregano, and thyme to the pan, then stir to blend the flavors.
Step 3: Cooking the Rice
Next, pour the chicken broth into the large pot to boil. Once boiling, add the rice and reduce the heat to low. Cook the rice for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
Step 4: Absorb Rice Liquid
Turn down the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This helps the flavors mix, and the rice absorbs the liquid.
Step 5: Adding the Shrimp
Switch off the heat. Carefully mix in the peeled, deveined, and cooked shrimp with the rice. Cover again and let it sit for 20 minutes. This lets the shrimp flavor blend into the Pastalaya
Step 6: Serving
Now, it’s time to garnish the dish with parsley and green onion. Enjoy!
Notes
• Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
• If you don’t have smoked sausage, you can use any type of sausage.
• If you don’t have parsley, you can use any type of fresh herbs.
• If you don’t have oregano, you can use any type of Italian herb.
• If you don’t have thyme, you can use rosemary.
• If you don’t have paprika, you can use smoked paprika.
• If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use any type of broth.
Nutrition Information
One serving of Kevin Belton Pastalaya contains approximately:
Calories: 438kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 175mg
Sodium: 1160mg
Potassium: 659mg
Fiber :2g|Sugar:7g
Vitamin A:1006IU
How to Store Kevin Belton Pastalaya?
Kevin Belton Pastalaya can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Variations
• You can add any type of vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• You can also add other types of proteins, such as chicken or pork.
• If you want to make the dish spicier, you can add more cayenne pepper or chili powder.
• You can also add different types of seasonings to the dish, such as garlic powder or cumin.
• If you want to add more flavor, you can add a splash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
• If you want to make the dish creamier, you can add some cream or coconut milk.
• You can also add other types of grains, such as quinoa or farro.
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- measuring cups, and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- and Strainer.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces of shrimp cooked, peeled, and deveined: Imparting a sweet and salty flavor, contributing a delightful seafood essence.
- 16 ounces of sausage cut into cubes: Add savory depth to the dish.
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil: For a smooth cooking process ensure all ingredients are well-coated and infused with flavors.
- 4 cups of long-grain rice: Provides a fluffy and separate texture perfect for absorbing the rich flavors of the dish.
- 2 cups of chopped celery: Adding a crisp and refreshing element balancing the dish with a subtle crunch.
- 4 cups of diced onion: Creating a flavorful base for the dish enhancing its overall taste.
- 6 cloves of minced garlic: Releasing a pungent aroma and adding a robust savory undertone to the Pastalaya.
- 2 cups of red bell pepper chopped: Imparting a sweet and slightly smoky flavor, elevating the dish’s visual appeal and taste.
- 4 tablespoons of Creole seasoning: Ensuring a bold and authentic Creole flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano: Enhance the overall aroma.
- 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika: Providing a warm and mild spice deepening the color and flavor of the Pastalaya.
- 3 cups of low sodium chicken stock: Infuses a savory richness.
- 2 cups of Bloody Mary mix: Adding a tangy and spicy kick infusing the Pastalaya with a unique and lively flavor.
- 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves: Offer earthy floral notes.
- Fresh parsley and green onions for garnish: Providing a burst of freshness and vibrant color to finish the dish beautifully.
Instructions
- Start by prepping the ingredients – peel and devein the shrimp, cut the smoked sausage into slices, dice the celery, mince the garlic, and chop parsley and green onions for garnish.
- In a large saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion, celery, and red bell pepper to the pan, and cook for around 7 minutes until the veggies are tender, stirring often to avoid sticking.
- Next, add the sausage cubes, minced garlic, Creole seasoning, paprika, oregano, and thyme to the pan, then stir to blend all the flavors.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil.
- Add the long-grain rice to the pot and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
- Once cooked, turn down the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for an additional 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
- Finally, add in the cooked shrimp and mix well with the rice. Cover again and let it sit for 20 minutes to allow the shrimp flavor to infuse into the dish.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and green onions before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Kevin Belton Pastalaya!
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
- If you don’t have smoked sausage, you can use any type of sausage.
- If you don’t have parsley, you can use any type of fresh herbs.
- If you don’t have oregano, you can use any type of Italian herb.
- If you don’t have thyme, you can use rosemary.
- If you don’t have paprika, you can use smoked paprika.
- If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use any type of broth.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook Kevin Belton Pastalaya?
It takes about 30 minutes to cook Kevin Belton Pastalaya. But depends on quantity.
How many servings does Kevin Belton Pastalaya make?
Kevin Belton Pastalaya makes approximately 4-6 servings.
Can I freeze Kevin Belton Pastalaya?
Yes, you can freeze Kevin Belton Pastalaya for up to 2 months.
Can I add any other ingredients to Kevin Belton Pastalaya?
Yes, you can add any type of vegetables, proteins, seasonings, and grains to Kevin Belton Pastalaya.
Can I make Kevin Belton Pastalaya spicier?
Yes, you can make Kevin Belton Pastalaya spicier by adding more cayenne pepper or chili powder.
What type of broth should I use for Kevin Belton Pastalaya?
You can use any type of broth for Kevin Belton Pastalaya, such as chicken broth, beef broth, or vegetable broth.
Is Kevin Belton Pastalaya healthy?
Yes, Kevin Belton Pastalaya is a healthy dish that is low in calories and high in protein. It is also a great source of vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
Kevin Belton Pastalaya is a classic Cajun dish that is sure to be an instant hit with the family. This easy one-pot meal is packed with flavor and is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal in under an hour.
With its combination of shrimp, smoked sausage, vegetables, and seasonings, this dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
So why not give it a try and bring a little bit of Louisiana to your kitchen?
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more
