Harissa Shrimp and Sausage Over Creamy Polenta
If you’re looking to add bold flavors to your weeknight dinner routine, this Harissa Shrimp & Sausage Over Creamy Polenta might just be your new favorite meal. The smoky, spicy sausage combined with juicy shrimp and a touch of sweet heat from the spicy harissa honey creates an unforgettable combo. Served over creamy polenta, it’s the ultimate cozy yet exciting dish that’ll impress your taste buds with every bite.
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Why You’ll Love This
Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights but tastes like a gourmet meal.
Bold Flavors: Harissa brings the heat, while the honey adds sweetness for a balanced bite.
Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, and the dairy-free polenta is creamy and delicious without using any dairy products.
Key Ingredients for Harissa Shrimp and Sausage
To make this dish shine, here are a few key ingredients you’ll need:
Spicy Harissa Honey: The unexpected sweet-spicy drizzle that takes this dish to the next level. It balances the heat from the harissa with a touch of honey.
Harissa Paste: This North African chili paste is the star of the dish, bringing smoky heat with a blend of spices. You can find it at most grocery stores, or you can make your own at home.
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined shrimp make this dish quick and easy.
Smoked Sausage: For the best flavor, I recommend using a smoked sausage like chorizo or andouille. They add depth and a slight smokiness.
Polenta: A creamy, comforting, naturally gluten-free base for the spicy shrimp and sausage.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This dish is easy to make but looks and tastes like it took a lot of effort. Here’s a breakdown of the steps to help you along the way.
Make the Polenta: Start your polenta first and you’ll have time to prepare everything else while it cooks. Whisk the polenta into simmering broth, and cook it low and slow until thick and creamy. Finish with butter and cream (you can use dairy-free versions of both!) for that rich, velvety texture.
Sear the Shrimp: Start by quickly searing the shrimp until just cooked. You want them juicy and tender, so cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. Set them aside to avoid overcooking.
Cook the Vegetables and Sausage: In the same pan, sauté your onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Once softened, add the sausage slices and cook until browned and crispy. This will give the dish that smoky flavor.
Add the Harissa and Spices: Stir in the harissa paste, smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander. These spices are what give the dish its signature bold flavor. Deglaze with white wine or broth to lift all the browned bits from the pan (that’s flavor gold!).
Mix the Harissa Honey: This sweet-spicy drizzle ties the whole dish together. Simply mix honey, harissa, and a splash of lime juice for a bright, punchy finish.
Assemble & Serve: Spoon the polenta onto plates, top with the shrimp and sausage mixture, and drizzle with that spicy harissa honey. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
Harissa Shrimp and Sausage with Creamy Polenta
Ingredients
For the Harissa Shrimp and Sausage:
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage chorizo or andouille, sliced
- 2 tbsp harissa paste adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 red onion sliced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1/3 cup white wine or broth, for deglazing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
For the Polenta:
- 1 cup polenta coarse cornmeal
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp dairy-free butter or regular if preferred
- 1/4 cup dairy-free cream coconut or cashew cream or regular dairy heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spicy Harissa Honey:
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp harissa paste adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp lime juice
Instructions
For the Harissa Shrimp and Sausage:
- In a large pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the garlic, onion, and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the sausage slices to the pan and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the sausage is browned and crispy.
- Stir in the harissa paste, smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine (or broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and create a light sauce.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and stir to coat them in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For the Polenta:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the polenta to prevent clumping.
- Lower the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Stir in the butter and 1/4 cup of cream. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust consistency with more broth or water if needed.
For the Spicy Harissa Honey:
- In a small bowl, mix the honey with the harissa paste, and lime juice.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more harissa if desired.
To Serve:
- Spoon the creamy polenta onto plates or bowls.
- Top with the harissa shrimp and sausage mixture, along with a drizzle of the light sauce from the pan.
- Finish by drizzling the spicy harissa honey over the shrimp and sausage.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and enjoy!
FAQs for Harissa Shrimp & Sausage
What is Harissa Paste? Harissa is a chili paste made from roasted red peppers, chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and various spices like cumin and coriander. It’s commonly used in North African and Middle Eastern cooking and adds a smoky, spicy flavor to any dish.
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp? You can, but I recommend using raw shrimp for this recipe. Pre-cooked shrimp may become rubbery when reheated. If using pre-cooked shrimp, add them at the very end to just warm through.
What Can I Substitute for Polenta? If you don’t have polenta, you can use grits or mashed potatoes as a base. Both will give you that creamy texture to balance the spicy shrimp and sausage.
How Spicy is Harissa? The heat level of harissa can vary by brand, so always taste before adding. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste. You can also balance the heat with more honey or lime juice.
I hope you love this Harissa Shrimp and Sausage Over Creamy Polenta as much as I do! If you try it out, please rate and comment below. Your feedback helps me create more recipes you’ll love! And don’t forget to share your creations on social media—tag me so I can see your delicious versions!
