Easy Cajun Shrimp Étouffée Louisiana Flavor in Minutes

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 1 celery stalk, chopped (approx. ½ cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 pound (454g) peeled and deveined shrimp (medium or large)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Hot sauce, for serving (optional)