Creole Shrimp and Rice: Louisiana Comfort Food!

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 lb (450g) ground pork sausage, spicy or mild
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (approx. 1/2 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (e.g., Tony Chachere's)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup (200g) long-grain rice, rinsed
• 2 cups (475 ml) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped fresh parsley
• Salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1/2 cup)
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped (approx. 1/2 cup)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (approx. 410g)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce (approx. 225g)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (approx. 15g)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Hot sauce, to taste (e.g., Tabasco)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)