How to Make the Absolutely Best Jambalaya Recipe!
This is the dish that I grew up eating as a kid. It’s very tasty and relatively easy to make. It’s quite spicy, so if you’re not into spicy foods this might not be for you!
Rice, meat or seafood, and veggies are all cooked together in a single pot to make jambalaya. Jambalaya and paella are both dishes with French and Spanish elements. The Provençal word “jambalaia,” which meaning jumble, is most likely the source of the term “jambalaya.” The foundation of jambalaya’s taste is the Cajun holy trinity, which includes celery, onion, and bell peppers.
What is Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a rice dish made with meat, vegetables, and seasonings. It is believed to have originated from Louisiana and became popular throughout the United States in the early 1900s. The word jambalaya comes from the French word “jambon” which means ham. In Cajun culture, this dish is usually served during special occasions like weddings and funerals. In New Orleans, jambalaya is known for being spicy; however, it can be made milder depending on your taste buds!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup cooked chicken, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¼ lb. Andouille sausage or smoked sausage (your choice), cut into coins –OR- ham hock if using storebought stock
- ½ onion, diced fine –OR- ½ bunch green onions sliced thin on an angle (optional)
- ½ bell pepper (your choice), diced fine –OR- 1 stalk celery diced thin on an angle (optional) –OR- 2 cloves garlic minced finely (optional)
Once you’ve decided this will be your meal and have decided on the ingredients, it’s time to gather everything together. This includes having all the equipment set out and ready to go (spatula, knife, cutting board), as well as having your kitchen ready with sink full of water and dishwasher open if needed. It’s also good practice if there are other people in your house who might need access through or around your kitchen while you’re preparing dinner (like little kids!)
Instructions
- Cook the rice first.
- Add the meat, vegetables and spices to a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook for 2 minutes to brown the meat on all sides before adding in water and bringing it to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so that nothing sticks to the bottom of your pot (or use a wooden spoon instead of metal).
- Remove lid from pot after 20 minutes has passed; add shrimp and cover again with lid for 5 more minutes until shrimp are pink on both sides (cooked through).
Pro Tip
While the rice is still cooking, you can add more liquid if it seems too dry or add more spice if you like it hot. For a soupy jambalaya, simply add more water or chicken stock. If you want your jambalaya to be spicy, add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
Special Note
The best thing about this recipe is that you can make it your own. There are many different meats and vegetables that go well with jambalaya, so feel free to experiment. For example, if you don’t like shrimp or sausage, try adding chicken instead. Or if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, try adding some fresh basil or rosemary for an extra kick of flavor!
Storing Jambalaya
Jambalaya should be transferred to an airtight container when it has totally cooled. For three to four days, keep in the fridge. Use the stove or microwave to reheat. Add some broth to the jambalaya if you’re concerned that it may dry up during the reheating process.
Serving suggestions for Jambalaya
With its filling and substantial components, jambalaya may be consumed as a meal in and of itself. Technically, you are not required to serve it with anything. Here are some delectable suggestions, though, if you want to go above and beyond:
Buttermilk Cornbread
Corn and bacon maque choux from Cajun cuisine
Crowder Peas in the Southern Style
This is a very tasty dish!
This is a very tasty dish! It’s also very easy to make and can be made with little money. This is a healthy meal, so it’s great for you no matter what your diet may be. This dish is cheap and nutritious, so it will fill you up without draining your wallet. It’s also special enough to make for company because it tastes delicious but isn’t too complicated or expensive to prepare.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article on the Jambalaya dish. It is one of my favorites, so I was happy to share! Just remember not to overdo it with the spices because they can be very strong if you aren’t careful. Also, if there are any questions or comments please feel free to leave them below.
