Sausage Maque Choux
A classic Cajun dish where sweet corn, smoky andouille sausage, and the holy trinity of vegetables are simmered in a rich, creamy sauce. It's a hearty, flavorful side that can easily double as a main.
For 6 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Brown the Sausage
- b.Place a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the sliced andouille sausage in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until well-browned and crispy on both sides.
- d.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked sausage to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Holy Trinity
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the pot with the sausage fat.
- c.Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very soft and have started to caramelize.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Maque Choux
- b.Add the corn kernels to the pot. If using fresh corn, scrape the cobs with the back of a knife to release the corn 'milk' into the pot for extra flavor and creaminess.
- c.Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- d.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is tender and the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir to combine everything.
- c.Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sausage to heat through.
- d.Taste the maque choux and adjust the seasoning if necessary with more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning.
- e.Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of fresh green onions.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use fresh corn on the cob and scrape the 'milk' from the cobs into the pot. This adds natural sweetness and creaminess.
- 2Don't rush the process of sautéing the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cooking them slowly until they are very soft builds a deep, essential flavor base for the dish.
- 3For an extra layer of smoky flavor, start by rendering 3 slices of chopped bacon in the pot before cooking the sausage. Use the combined rendered fat for sautéing.
- 4Control the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the Cajun seasoning for more heat, or use a milder smoked sausage if you prefer less spice.
- 5To make a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk, though the final dish will be less rich.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms or a can of drained black beans for extra substance and protein.
SpicierSpicier
Add one minced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the holy trinity. Increase the Cajun seasoning and add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
SeafoodSeafood
Replace the sausage with 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp. Stir them in during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, just until they turn pink and opaque.
With TomatoesWith Tomatoes
For a more Creole-style maque choux, add one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes (drained) along with the corn.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Fiber
Corn is rich in dietary fiber, which is essential for promoting digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and contributing to a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Antioxidants
The 'holy trinity' of onion, celery, and especially green bell pepper provides a variety of vitamins and antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, which help protect the body against cellular damage.
Provides Protein
Andouille sausage is a key source of protein in this dish, which is vital for muscle repair, immune function, and overall satiety.
Energy Boosting Carbohydrates
The sweet corn in maque choux is a source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady release of energy to fuel your body and brain.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Sausage Maque Choux contains approximately 555 calories. This can vary based on the type of sausage and the fat content of the cream used.