How to Make Delicious Jambalaya: A Flavorful Southern Classic

by
Delicious Jambalaya

Introduction

Jambalaya is a classic Southern dish, known for its rich blend of flavors and hearty ingredients. This recipe combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and savory sausages with a medley of vegetables and spices to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a flavorful jambalaya that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1/2 pound of shrimp (225g)
  • 4 medium hot dogs or sausages

Veggies:

  • 1 small onion
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 4 tomatoes
  • 1 hot chili pepper
  • 1 small red bell pepper
  • 5 spring onions

Others:

  • 3 1/2 cups raw rice (700g)
  • 2 cups chicken stock (480ml)
  • 2 cups water (480ml)
  • 1 chicken seasoning cube
  • Oil for cooking

Spice Mix:

  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper or chili pepper

Number of Servings

This recipe serves 6-8 people.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information per serving (assuming 8 servings) is as follows:

  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 55g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 28g

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

  1. Chop and Dice
    • Dice the chicken breasts and slice the sausages into rounds.
    • Peel and devein the shrimp.
    • Finely chop the onion, garlic cloves, tomatoes, hot chili pepper, red bell pepper, and spring onions.

Step 2: Making the Spice Mix

  1. Combine Spices
    • In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 2 tsp salt, 1 tbsp paprika, and 1 tsp cayenne pepper or chili pepper. Mix well.

Step 3: Cooking the Meats

  1. Season the Meats
    • Season the chicken and shrimp with a teaspoon of the spice mix.
  2. Cook the Meats
    • In a large pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken and sausages until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
    • In the same pan, cook the shrimp until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Sautéing the Veggies

  1. Sauté Onions and Garlic
    • In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add Tomato Paste and Veggies
    • Add the tomato paste and cook for a few minutes to deepen the flavor.
    • Incorporate the blended tomatoes, chopped red bell pepper, hot chili pepper, and the remaining spice mix. Cook until the vegetables are softened.

Step 5: Mixing It All Together

  1. Add Rice and Liquids
    • Add the washed rice to the pan, stirring to coat the rice with the vegetable mixture.
    • Pour in the chicken stock, water, and crumble the chicken seasoning cube into the mixture. Stir well.
  2. Simmer the Jambalaya
    • Season with additional salt and thyme if desired. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Step 6: Serving Up Satisfaction

  1. Combine Everything
    • Once the rice is cooked, add the cooked chicken, sausages, and shrimp back into the pan. Stir until well combined and heated through.
  2. Serve and Enjoy
  • Serve the jambalaya hot, garnished with chopped spring onions for an added burst of flavor and color. Enjoy the delightful and hearty flavors of this homemade Southern classic!

Conclusion

This Jambalaya recipe is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a rich and satisfying meal. With its blend of tender meats, fresh vegetables, and flavorful spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this hearty and delicious meal with family and friends, and savor the taste of the South.

Enjoy your delicious homemade jambalaya!