Jambalaya is a hearty and flavorful one-pot dish that hails from Louisiana, embodying the rich culinary traditions of Creole and Cajun cuisine. This vibrant dish combines a variety of meats, such as chicken, sausage, and shrimp, with aromatic vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and celery, often referred to as the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking. These ingredients are simmered with rice and seasoned with a robust blend of spices, including paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper, creating a symphony of flavors. The result is a savory, slightly spicy dish with a depth of flavor that is both comforting and satisfying. Jambalaya is a beloved staple at gatherings and celebrations, offering a taste of the diverse and spirited culture of the American South.
Jambalaya
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound andouille sausage, thinly sliced into rounds
- 3 small bell peppers, cored and diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 white onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1-1/2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning or Creole seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme, crushed
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound raw large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup thinly-sliced okra
- Kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a stock pot (or a very large, deep sauté pan) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sausage and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sausage is lightly browned. Transfer to a clean plate and set aside.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil to the stock pot. Add bell peppers, celery, jalapeño, onion and garlic. Sauté for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, rice, Cajun seasoning, thyme, cayenne, bay leaf, and stir to combine. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is nearly cooked through, stirring every 5 minutes or so along the way so that the rice does not burn.
- Add the shrimp, okra, and stir to combine. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are cooked through and pink. Stir in the chicken and sausage, and remove and discard the bay leaf.
- Taste season the jambalaya with salt, pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning if needed. (I typically add about 2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.) Remove from heat.
- Serve warm with your desired garnishes. Or refrigerate and store in a sealed container for up to 3 days.