Jambalaya

Name: Jambalaya
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Creole/Cajun
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning (substitutable with Cajun seasoning); 12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced; 1 medium white onion, diced; 1 large green bell pepper, diced; 2 ribs celery, diced; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 3/4 teaspoon salt (to taste); 2 large bay leaves; 14 ounces tomato sauce; 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken stock; 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice; 3 green onions, minced; 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley (for garnishing); 1/2 pound large shrimp; 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning (substitutable with Cajun seasoning); 2 tablespoons olive oil

Recipe By:

Martha

Posted:

February 20, 2025

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Jambalaya is one of those dishes that warms your heart and fills your belly with goodness. Picture this: you walk into your kitchen, and the fragrant aromas of spices, meats, and rice waft through the air, instantly making your home feel like a cozy Southern haven. This classic dish brings together the best elements of Creole and Cajun cooking, providing a comforting way to gather with family and friends. You’ll find it perfect for an ordinary weeknight meal or a lively get-together. With every spoonful, you experience a burst of flavors that dance on your palate. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to make your very own jambalaya—your loved ones will thank you for it!

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Why You’ll Love This Jambalaya

Jambalaya is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings vibrant flavors and comforting aromas into your kitchen. This one-pot meal embraces the essence of Southern cooking and celebrates the delightful combination of spices, meats, and rice. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, you’ll be excited to showcase your culinary skills with this classic recipe.

What is a Jambalaya

Originating from Louisiana, jambalaya is a hearty rice dish traditionally made with meat, seafood, and vegetables, all cooked together in one pot. This crowd-pleaser embodies the rich culinary heritage of Creole and Cajun cuisine, featuring a mix of bold flavors that transport you straight to the heart of New Orleans.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon Creole seasoning (substitutable with Cajun seasoning)
12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced
1 medium white onion, diced
1 large green bell pepper, diced
2 ribs celery, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
2 large bay leaves
14 ounces tomato sauce
2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
3 green onions, minced
2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley (for garnishing)
1/2 pound large shrimp
2 teaspoons Creole seasoning (substitutable with Cajun seasoning)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparing the Jambalaya Mixture

Pat and Season the Chicken

First, pat the chicken pieces dry using paper towels. Then, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the Creole seasoning over the chicken, making sure it’s covered evenly.

Brown the Chicken

Next, heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Now it’s time to brown the chicken on all sides. Once you see that golden color, take it out using a slotted spoon and set it aside.

Sauté the Andouille Sausage

In that same pot, toss in the sliced andouille sausage. Sauté it until it’s beautifully browned. After it’s done, combine it with the chicken. Cover the mix with foil to keep everything warm.

Sauté the Vegetables

With the sausage done, it’s time to bring some vegetables into the mix. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot, along with a pinch of salt. Sauté until they soften, which should take about 12-15 minutes. If you notice any browned bits at the bottom, deglaze the pot with a splash of water.

Add Garlic and Rice

Now stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the long-grain white rice, making sure to stir until each grain gets coated in that lovely oil.

Combine All Ingredients

Return the chicken and sausage back to the pot. Now you’ll toss in the bay leaves, oregano, remaining salt, tomato sauce, and chicken stock. Increase the heat to high, bringing the mixture to a boil. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot, allowing all those flavors to come together.

Cook the Jambalaya

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 25 minutes or until the rice is just tender. Keep in mind to stir halfway through to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.

Preparing the Shrimp

Season the Shrimp

While waiting for the rice to cook, season your shrimp with the remaining Creole seasoning. This will pack them with flavor!

Sauté the Shrimp

Now, heat a separate pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shrimp. Cook them for about 1 minute on each side until they’re nearly cooked through. Remove them from heat and cover with foil.

Combining Everything for the Perfect Jambalaya

Fluff the Rice

Once the rice is perfect and tender, remove the lid and gently fluff it with a fork. Add the sautéed shrimp on top and finish with a sprinkle of minced green onions and flat-leaf parsley.

Serve

Spoon the jambalaya into bowls and serve hot. Your family and friends will love every bite!

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, pair your jambalaya with crusty French bread or a refreshing green salad. This combination rounds out a delightful dining experience.

Tips for Success

Adjust seasoning to suit your taste—everyone’s preference is different.
Fresh ingredients make a difference in flavor, so choose wisely.
Feel free to switch up the proteins; fish or different sausages work well too.

Variations

If you want to mix things up, consider adding vegetables like okra or opt for brown rice for a healthier twist. You can even substitute shrimp with crawfish or your favorite protein.

Storage Tips

When you have leftovers, cool them completely before transferring to airtight containers. Properly stored, jambalaya lasts for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to reheat thoroughly before serving.

Pairing Ideas

For drinks that will complement your jambalaya beautifully, think about serving a refreshing cocktail like a mint julep or a crisp white wine.

FAQs

1. Can I make jambalaya in advance?
Yes! Jambalaya can be prepared ahead of time and reheated for easy serving.

2. What is the best rice for jambalaya?
Long grain white rice is ideal as it cooks up fluffy and doesn’t clump.

3. Can I make jambalaya without shrimp?
Absolutely! You can customize the recipe using only chicken or sausage.

4. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water.

5. Is jambalaya gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free sausages and seasonings.

Savor every bite of your homemade jambalaya, a dish that encapsulates the spirit of community and comfort. Whether served at a lively dinner party or a quiet family night, it’s sure to be a hit that leaves everyone asking for seconds!

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Jambalaya

Why You’ll Love This Jambalaya

What is a Jambalaya

Ingredients