Jambalaya is a classic Southern dish that combines meat, seafood, rice, and vegetables in a single pot, infused with a rich blend of spices. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, and it’s bursting with flavor thanks to its blend of seasoned meats, fresh vegetables, and bold spices. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious, comforting dish.
Why Make Jambalaya?
Jambalaya is a versatile, one-pot dish that’s easy to customize with your favorite meats and seafood. The combination of chicken, sausage, and shrimp creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors, while the aromatic vegetables and spices add depth and complexity. It’s a great dish for casual family dinners, parties, or any time you crave a hearty meal with a touch of spice.
Ingredients (Serves 8-10)
For the Spice Mix:
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili pepper
For the Meats:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 lb (225 g) shrimp, washed, peeled, and deveined
- 4 medium hot dogs or sausages, sliced
For the Veggies:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 hot chili pepper, sliced
- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup (120 g) tomato paste
- 5 spring onions, chopped
For the Other Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups (700 g) raw long grain rice, rinsed
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken stock
- 2 cups (480 ml) water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon spice mix (from the prepared mix)
- 1 chicken seasoning cube
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 4 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
- Sodium: 950 mg
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 tablespoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili pepper. This spice mix will be used to flavor the meats and the rice.
- Add 1 teaspoon of the spice mix to the chicken pieces and mix well to coat. Add another teaspoon to the shrimp, tossing to ensure all the shrimp are well coated. Set both aside to marinate while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Blend the Tomatoes and Chili
- In a food processor, add the chopped tomatoes and hot chili pepper. Blend until smooth to create a tomato base that will add depth and flavor to the jambalaya.
Step 3: Cook the Meats
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the seasoned chicken pieces until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, fry the sliced sausages until browned and slightly crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the seasoned shrimp in the same pan until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Remove and set aside with the other meats.
Step 4: Prepare the Veggies
- If needed, add more oil to the pan.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of tomato paste and cook for a few minutes to reduce the acidity and deepen the flavor.
- Add the blended tomato and chili mixture to the pan, followed by the remaining spice mix and 1/2 teaspoon of thyme. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Add the Rice and Liquids
- Add the chopped red bell pepper, washed rice, chicken stock, water, and 1 teaspoon salt to the pan.
- Crumble in the chicken seasoning cube and stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
- After 30 minutes, remove the lid and check the rice for doneness. If the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, it’s time to add the meats.
- Add the cooked shrimp, sausages, and chicken back into the pan. Gently fold them into the rice mixture, taking care not to break the rice grains.
- Sprinkle with chopped spring onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve the jambalaya warm, garnished with extra chopped spring onions if desired.
- Enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Jambalaya
- Customize Your Protein: Feel free to add or substitute proteins, like adding chorizo, using andouille sausage, or even including mussels or crab for a seafood twist.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and omit the hot chili pepper. For a spicier kick, add more cayenne or include extra hot sauce at the end.
- Use Quality Rice: Long grain rice works best for jambalaya, as it stays separate and fluffy. Avoid using short grain or sticky rice, which can become too mushy.
This Jambalaya recipe is a fantastic, flavorful one-pot meal that’s sure to satisfy. With a perfect blend of spices, tender meats, and hearty rice, it’s comfort food at its best. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delicious dish with family and friends!