Jambalaya

If you���re craving the classic flavors of Southern cooking, Jambalaya is a delicious dish that you can whip up in any kitchen. This spicy, hearty, deeply stirring stew of smoked sausages, chicken, shrimp and aromatic vegetables cooked with rice is a total crowd pleaser! Perfect for family gatherings, potluck meals or even your Sunday football parties.

Jambalaya is not just a dish, it’s the embodiment of Louisiana cuisine, offering a burst of flavors with each bite. Trust me, your palate will go on a wild ride and you’ll love every second of it. A real soul-warmer and utterly delightful.

Now don’t fret, the prep isn’t as messy as it looks, get your apron ready and let’s dive in!

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 1 hour
• Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Yield: 10 cups

Alright mates, hang on tight. Because we’re about to embark on a flavorful journey to the Southern state. Let’s get to it!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, diced
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups long grain rice
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment: You will need a large skillet or Dutch oven and a meat thermometer.

How To Make Jambalaya

1. Start by heating your pot over a medium heat, add the sausage and cook until well browned.
2. Remove the sausage and set aside, in the same pot add chicken seasoned with salt and pepper and cook until thoroughly cooked. Set aside with the sausage.
3. In the savory mix of oil left by the meats, add the onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Stir occasionally until the vegetables are soft.
4. Add in the diced tomatoes, Creole seasoning, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce and stir to combine.
5. Add the rice and chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a simmer.
6. Return the sausage and chicken to the pot. Cover and cook for about 20-30 minutes until the rice has cooked and absorbed most of the liquid.
7. Finally, add in the shrimp and cook until they are pink and firm, about 5-10 minutes.
8. Before serving, let the Jambalaya rest for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Then serve up your hearty Jambalaya with a garnish of chopped parsley or green onions on top and a side of hot sauce.

Tips For The Best Results

• Rice absorbs flavor, cooking it in the same pot as the vegetables and meats ensures a flavorful rice.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe 165 degrees F.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use any type of sausage?
A: Yes, you can, however, a smoked sausage like Andouille would give the most traditional flavor.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can replace meat with substitute proteins like tofu or seitan, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I add seafood?
A: Most jambalaya recipes include shrimp, but you can also add oysters or crab meat.

Q: Can I freeze Jambalaya?
A: Yes, it freezes well in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Q: How can I make my Jambalaya less spicy?
A: Reduce the amount of Creole seasoning or use a mild version of the smoked sausage.

Nutritional Facts of Jambalaya

Each serving, without sides, has approximately 410 calories, 20 grams of fat, 30 grams of proteins, and 29 grams of carbohydrates.

There we have it folks, Jambalaya, a hearty and flavorful dish that will surely warm your taste buds and your heart. It is perfect on its own or with a side of cornbread. Don’t forget to dollop hot sauce for a tad bit more fire. Enjoy!