JAMBALAYA
Jambalaya is a vibrant, one-pot dish hailing from Louisiana, combining rice, meats, and a medley of vegetables and spices for a flavorful meal.
This hearty dish reflects the rich culinary heritage of Creole and Cajun cooking, offering a perfect blend of textures and tastes.
Whether served at a family gathering or a festive celebration, jambalaya will impress with its colorful presentation and delicious aroma.
Why This Recipe
This Jambalaya recipe is perfect for those seeking a quick yet satisfying meal packed with flavor and comfort.
The combination of savory meats, aromatic spices, and tender rice creates a delicious dish that is both filling and enjoyable.
It’s an ideal choice for gatherings, offering a taste of Louisiana that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
About This Recipe
Jambalaya is a traditional Louisiana dish that showcases a mix of influences, featuring rice cooked with chicken, sausage, and seafood, all seasoned with bold spices.
This recipe emphasizes fresh ingredients and a careful balance of flavors, resulting in a delicious meal that brings the spirit of New Orleans to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, diced
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Prep Time and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Estimated Calories
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 400 calories
Cooking Instructions
1. Sauté the Meat
In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and sausage. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables
Add onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic in the same pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Rice and Liquids
Stir in the rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, thyme, bay leaf, and the cooked meats. Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Add Shrimp
Stir in the shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Cover and cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Serve
Remove the bay leaf and fluff the jambalaya with a fork. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
FAQs
Yes! Feel free to mix and match proteins such as pork, crab, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to increase the heat level according to your taste.
If you use gluten-free sausage and check the broth ingredients, jambalaya is naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Jambalaya is a flavorful, satisfying dish that brings the essence of Louisiana cooking to your table.
With its rich blend of meats, spices, and rice, this recipe is perfect for gatherings or family meals, creating a memorable dining experience that everyone will love!
JAMBALAYA
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, 1 bell pepper, diced diced
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage sliced
- 1/2 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 onion diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and sausage, cooking until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the shrimp and cooked chicken and sausage. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Remove the bay leaf, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot!
