The Perfect Jambalaya Recipe
The dish is very easy to prepare, you can have it on the table in just about 40 minutes. If you want to add some meat or seafood to this recipe, that’s fine. But if not, it still tastes great without them.
The dish is very easy to make, and you don’t need any fancy equipment. It can be served as a main course or even as a side dish for fish or chicken.
This recipe is rich and tasty, yet it only requires a few ingredients!
On a chilly evening, this recipe is ideal for individuals who desire a hearty and comfortable supper. Since you can use any leftover ingredients you have laying around, it’s also perfect in a pinch. If you want to give the meal more flavor, experiment by adding some lemon juice and onions.
Ingredients
1 can tomatoes
Choose a can of tomatoes that is already seasoned. You can use diced, crushed, or whole tomatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste if you are using plain canned tomatoes.
1 cup water
- 1 cup water.
- The next step is to combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Add them in the order listed below:
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can tomatoes with juice (14 oz)
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- Green bell peppers are a good source of vitamin C and the B vitamins thiamine and riboflavin. They also contain a good amount of potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium. The red pigment in them is called capsanthin and it’s been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties as well as help prevent cancer in animal models.
16 oz. smoked sausage, cut into pieces
- 16 oz. smoked sausage, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz. Andouille or kielbasa, cut into bite-size chunks (1 cup)
2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in chunks
For this recipe, chicken breasts work well since they are lean, simple to chop, and high in protein. They are also reasonably priced.
When seeking for a certain size or cut, it might be challenging to locate chicken breasts at supermarkets. Asking a staff member at the meat counter where they are stored is the best method to locate them, although occasionally they aren’t even there! If this occurs, inquire if they can purchase some from a different store close by.
1 onion, chopped
Jambalaya’s main component is an onion, which is also a common item in Cajun cuisine. Onions are a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are also well-known for their antioxidant abilities. Onions are a key component of jambalaya and have been proved to be good for cancer prevention and heart health by reducing homocysteine levels (a risk factor for heart disease).
4 celery stalks, chopped
Fiber, vitamin K, and vitamin C are all found in good amounts in celery. Additionally, it has a lot of potassium, which supports heart function. It tastes fantastic in addition to being healthy for you. Celery is ideal for salads and as part of an appetizer buffet because of its crisp texture. Before slicing your celery stalks, you might want to remove the threads. While they are acceptable in your soup if you don’t like them, they might be annoying while you’re trying to consume it.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic is a great flavor add and it’s also a good source of vitamin B6, manganese, and selenium. It’s also a good source of vitamin C and vitamin B1.
2 cups rice
You’ve probably dealt with wet rice if you’ve ever prepared jambalaya. There are alternative solutions if you choose to forgo the crock pot, even though this recipe is a terrific method to guarantee that your rice stays firm and tasty.
Here is what I advise if you’re concerned about how much water to use to cook your rice in a crock pot:
2 cups of liquid (water or broth) with 1 cup of uncooked brown or white rice yields 3 cups of cooked rice.
Dry long grain white rice may be cooked in the same length of time as brown or organic whole grains, but bear in mind that they may take longer to prepare since they contain less starch, which results in cooked grains that are grainier.
Cajun spice mix (I used Emeril’s) to taste
- To make cajun spice mix:
- Mix together 1 tbsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder and a pinch of cayenne.
- Store in an airtight container or jar for up to 6 months in a cool place away from heat sources (i.e., the refrigerator). You can also store it in the freezer indefinitely!
Anyone who enjoys rice and Cajun cuisine should try this dish, in my opinion. It’s a traditional meal that will make you feel full and satisfied.
