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Traditional Jambalaya Recipe

2022-10-31

By Southern Cook

Southern Cuisine

Main Course

How to Make Perfect Jambalaya with Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, and Induction Cooker: Flavorful, Tender,

How to Make Classic Jambalaya in a Slow Cooker: Tender Meat and Deep Flavors with Minimal Effort

Use the slow cooker’s "Low" setting to let the flavors develop slowly. Brown your sausage and chicken in advance using the "Saute" function, then let everything simmer together for 4-6 hours. The "Keep Warm" function ensures your jambalaya is ready to serve when you are.

Instant Pot Jambalaya: Quick and Flavorful One-Pot Meal in Just 30 Minutes

Use the slow cooker’s "Low" setting to let the flavors develop slowly. Brown your sausage and chicken in advance using the "Saute" function, then let everything simmer together for 4-6 hours. The "Keep Warm" function ensures your jambalaya is ready to serve when you are.

Induction Cooker Jambalaya: Precise Heat Control for Perfectly Simmered, Flavorful Rice and Meat

Use the induction cooker's precise temperature control to brown your meat and vegetables, then simmer your rice with spices and stock at a low temperature. The induction cooker’s fast and even heat makes it easier to control the simmer, ensuring your jambalaya is cooked to perfection.

Tips and Suggestions on Jambalaya

Choosing the right ingredients

Jambalaya can be made with a variety of proteins, such as chicken, sausage, shrimp, and crawfish. It's important to choose high-quality ingredients that are fresh and flavorful and to balance the flavors and textures.

Preparing the meat and seafood

Each type of protein requires different cooking times and techniques, so it's important to prepare them accordingly. Chicken and sausage need to be browned and cooked through, while shrimp and crawfish need to be added later and cooked only until they turn pink.

Building layers of flavor

Jambalaya is all about layers of flavor, so it's crucial to sauté the vegetables (such as onions, celery, and bell peppers) until they are soft and fragrant. Adding garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and cayenne pepper can also increase the complexity of the dish. It's important to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Mastering the rice

Jambalaya's rice should be moist but not mushy and should not stick together in clumps. It's important to use the right ratio of liquid to rice and to cook the rice until it's tender and fluffy.

Achieving the right consistency

Jambalaya should have a thick and stew-like consistency, with the rice and meat well integrated into the broth and vegetables. Too much liquid can make the dish soupy, while too little can make it dry and bland. Adding more liquid or adjusting the cooking time can help achieve the right consistency.

Serving and garnishing

Jambalaya is best served hot, preferably in a cast-iron pot or large skillet. Some people like to garnish it with chopped parsley, scallions, or hot sauce for extra flavor and color. Sides such as French bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad can also complement the dish well. Jambalaya is a perfect dish to serve for a party or potluck as it can be made in large batches and keeps well.

Classic Jambalaya Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 celery ribs, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 3 tbsp chopped parsley leaves
  • 3 tbsp chopped green onions
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken and sausage and cook until browned.
  2. Add onion, peppers, celery, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are softened.
  3. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, oregano, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
  4. Stir in uncooked rice and shrimp. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat, cover the pan and let simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until rice is cooked and liquid has been absorbed.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in parsley and green onions. Serve hot.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 20 min

Cook Time 45 min

Total time 1 hour 5 min

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 500
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 59g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Protein: 33g

Variations for Jambalaya

Jambalaya with Rabbit

This version is made with tender rabbit meat, combined with fragrant rice, bold spices, and a medley of vegetables for a robust dish.

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Jambalaya with Red Beans

This version is made with hearty red beans, flavorful sausage, and vibrant spices, all cooked together in a rich, soulful rice dish.

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Jambalaya with Salmon

This version is made with succulent salmon fillets, aromatic spices, and colorful vegetables, creating a delightful twist on the classic jambalaya.

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Jambalaya with Shrimp and Oyster

This version is made with tender shrimp and plump oysters, complemented by a medley of spices and vegetables for a coastal delight.

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Jambalaya with Sausage

This version is made with hearty sausage, infused with bold spices, and combined with rice, vegetables, and Creole flavors for a satisfying meal.

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Jambalaya with Duck

This version is made with succulent duck, simmered to perfection with rice, aromatic spices, and colorful vegetables for a rich, flavorful dish.

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Jambalaya with Lamb

This version is made with tender lamb, infused with fragrant spices, and combined with rice and vegetables for a unique and hearty dish.

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Jambalaya with Squash

This version is made with seasonal squash, paired with vibrant vegetables, perfectly spiced rice, and an array of bold flavors for a delightful twist.

Summer Squash Jambalaya

Jambalaya Eggplant

This version is made with roasted eggplant, complemented by savory spices, colorful bell peppers, and tender rice, creating a deliciously hearty dish.

Eggplant Jambalaya

Jambalaya with Chicken

This version is made with juicy chicken pieces, seasoned to perfection, mixed with vibrant vegetables and aromatic rice for a comforting, flavorful meal.

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Low-Carb Jambalaya

This version is made with cauliflower rice, tender shrimp, spicy sausage, and fresh vegetables, delivering all the classic jambalaya flavors with fewer carbs.

SOZA Low-Carb Jambalaya with Cauliflower Rice and Sautéed Spinach Recipe

Jambalaya with Spinach

This version is made with hearty spinach, plump shrimp, and flavorful sausage, creating a nutritious twist on classic jambalaya that's both vibrant and delicious.

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Jambalaya Cajun

This version is made with bold Cajun spices, succulent chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage, delivering a rich, flavorful jambalaya that warms the soul.

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Jambalaya Recipe Review

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