Jambalaya is a classic dish that brings together the bold flavors of Cajun and Creole cooking in a single, hearty meal. This recipe combines a medley of spices, succulent meats, and fresh vegetables to create a dish that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this jambalaya is sure to impress with its rich, complex taste.
Ingredients:
Spice Mix:
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili pepper
Meats:
- 2 chicken breasts, seasoned with 1 teaspoon spice mix
- ½ pound of shrimp, coated with 1 teaspoon of seasoning blend
- 4 medium hot dogs or sausages (such as chicken 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, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Season the Meats:
- Season the chicken breasts and shrimp with 1 teaspoon of the prepared spice mix each. Set the seasoned meats aside to marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the Chicken and Sausages:
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- In the same pot, add the sliced sausages or hot dogs and cook until they are slightly browned.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic.
- Cook until the onion is soft and translucent and the garlic releases its aroma, approximately 3 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, hot chili pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the tomato paste and continue cooking for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Add the Rice and Seasonings:
- Add the raw long-grain rice to the pot, stirring to coat the rice with the tomato and vegetable mixture.
- Pour in the chicken stock, water, salt, thyme, 1 tablespoon of the spice mix, and the chicken seasoning cube.
- Cook the Jambalaya:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the jambalaya simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- While the rice is cooking, dice the browned chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- After 20 minutes, stir in the diced chicken, browned sausages, and seasoned shrimp. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and pink.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once everything is cooked, stir in the chopped spring onions.
- Serve the jambalaya hot, garnished with extra spring onions or fresh herbs if desired.
Conclusion:
This flavorful jambalaya is a true feast for the senses. The combination of well-seasoned meats, tender vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice creates a dish that’s both comforting and full of bold, exciting flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a family dinner, this jambalaya is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the rich, spicy, and hearty taste that brings everyone around the table for a satisfying meal!