1. Prepare the Ingredients:

• Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds. Dice the onion, bell peppers, and celery. Mince the garlic. These are the essential vegetables in Cajun cooking, known as the “Holy Trinity” (onion, celery, and bell pepper).
• Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming mushy.

2. Cook the Sausage:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and slightly crispy. This step enhances the smoky flavor of the sausage.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

• Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and lightly caramelized.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.

4. Toast the Rice and Add Spices:

• Add the rinsed rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well to coat the rice in the oil and allow it to toast for 1-2 minutes. This step adds a nutty flavor to the rice.
• Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir to combine and evenly distribute the spices.

5. Simmer the Rice:

• Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
• Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to ensure the rice cooks evenly.

6. Add the Sausage and Peas:

• Once the rice is cooked, return the browned sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
• If using frozen peas, stir them in at this point. The residual heat will cook the peas in just a couple of minutes.

7. Garnish and Serve:

• Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or Cajun seasoning as needed.
• Sprinkle the dish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley for a fresh pop of flavor and color.
• Serve hot, straight from the skillet.