Messy Shrimp Boil

There’s something about a messy shrimp boil that just screams laid-back gatherings, warm days, and good company. This one-pot wonder of juicy shrimp, tender corn, flavorful sausages, and hearty potatoes all cooked together in a savory broth is the epitome of a memorable summer meal. So, roll up your sleeves, grab a bib (or two), and get ready to dive into the delicious chaos of making your very own Messy Shrimp Boil.

**Ingredients:**

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 6 ears of corn, husked and cut into thirds
– 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
– 1 pound smoked sausage, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 onion, quartered
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lemon, halved
– 4 bay leaves
– 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
– 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, bring water to a boil. Add the quartered onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, Old Bay seasoning, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Squeeze the lemon halves into the pot and drop them in as well. Let the broth simmer for about 10 minutes to build flavor.

2. Add the halved baby potatoes to the pot and let them cook for about 10 minutes until they start to soften.

3. Next, add the smoked sausage to the pot. Let it simmer with the potatoes for an additional 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.

4. Gently place the corn pieces into the pot and cook everything together for another 5 minutes until the corn is tender but still slightly crisp.

5. Finally, it’s time for the star of the show – the large shrimp. Carefully add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.

6. Once everything is cooked through and tender, use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp boil to a large serving platter. Discard the bay leaves and lemon halves.

7. Garnish your scrumptious Messy Shrimp Boil with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Enjoy your messy masterpiece family-style, served with a side of crusty bread or buttery cornbread to soak up the flavorful broth. Or keep it casual with a pile of napkins and let everyone dig in with their hands – messy eating is part of the fun with this dish!

Dig into this delightfully chaotic dish with friends and family, sharing laughter and stories as you savor each juicy shrimp, each tender potato, and each burst of flavor from the savory broth. The Messy Shrimp Boil is more than a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together in a deliciously messy way.