Jambalaya is a delicious, flavor-packed one-pot dish with deep Southern roots, blending a mix of meats, seafood, and vibrant vegetables in a spicy, savory rice base. This hearty recipe offers a beautiful balance of tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and smoky sausage, combined with a rich blend of spices, tomatoes, and peppers. Perfect for a family gathering or a cozy dinner at home, this Jambalaya is sure to bring a little taste of New Orleans to your table. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe, filled with bold and exciting flavors!
Ingredients
Spice Mix:
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder
Meats:
- 2 chicken breasts, seasoned with 1 teaspoon spice mix
- ½ pound of shrimp, coated with 1 teaspoon of seasoning blend
- 4 medium sausages or hot dogs (chicken sausages or hot dogs), sliced
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 hot chili pepper, chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
- 110 g tomato paste
- 5 spring onions, chopped
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups raw long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon spice mix
- 1 chicken seasoning cube
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Mix : In a small bowl, mix together onion powder, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside. Use this spice blend to season the chicken and shrimp and to flavor the entire dish.
- Season the Chicken and Shrimp : Take 1 teaspoon of the spice mix and rub it over the chicken breasts and another teaspoon for the shrimp. Set both aside, allowing the seasoning to penetrate the meat for at least 10 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken and Sausages : Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sliced sausages. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. Leave the sausages in the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables : In the same pot with the sausage, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until the onions turn soft and translucent, and the garlic releases its aroma. Then stir in the diced tomatoes, hot chili pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and begin to break down.
- Build the Jambalaya Base : Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to coat the vegetables. Add the rice and stir it well, toasting the grains slightly for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chicken stock, water, and add the thyme, remaining spice mix, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the chicken seasoning cube.
- Simmer and Cook : Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it gently simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Cook the Shrimp : While the rice is cooking, heat a separate pan with a little oil and quickly sauté the seasoned shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink and fully cooked. Set aside.
- Combine and Serve : Once the rice is fully cooked, stir in the cooked chicken pieces, shrimp, and chopped spring onions. Mix everything together and let the flavors blend for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish and Enjoy : Serve the Jambalaya hot, garnished with extra spring onions for a fresh touch. This hearty, flavorful dish is perfect on its own, but you can add a side of cornbread or a green salad to complete the meal.
Conclusion
This flavorful Jambalaya is a celebration of bold spices, tender meats, and vibrant vegetables all coming together in a comforting pot of deliciousness. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, offering an explosion of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a taste of the South, this Jambalaya recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and bring the warmth and flavor of New Orleans into your kitchen!