Onepot Jambalaya a Taste of New Orleans
Recipe Introduction
Craving Flavour?
Fancy a proper feed that doesn't take all day? I know I do! This easy jambalaya recipe is your answer. It's packed with flavour. It’s also super simple.
One-Pot Wonder
Originating from Louisiana, jambalaya is proper comfort food. It's got a rich history and this version is a doddle to make.
This is one of the great one pot meals . It takes about an hour all in and serves about six hungry people.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner !
Spice Up Your Life
This chicken and sausage jambalaya is a nutritional powerhouse. It has loads of protein and enough spices to give your metabolism a kick up the backside! Serve it at your next casual get-together, or just when you fancy something that's just totally lush.
What makes this recipe special? It is that you just throw everything in one pot, so easy! So you need some rice dinner ideas .
Getting Started
Let's dive into what you need to make some seriously good easy rice dinners . Honestly, the ingredients are pretty standard.
You probably have most of them already. What are you waiting for?
Right, let's dive into the secrets to a killer One-Pot Jambalaya . Trust me, this ain't rocket science. Even if you’re a complete beginner, you can nail this easy jambalaya recipe, no sweat.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown
Okay, so what do you actually need to whip up this easy jambalaya recipe ? Don't worry, nothing too fancy! These are the essentials for making amazing one pot meals .
Main Ingredients
Here's the shopping list:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15 ml ) Any brand is fine, but virgin ones will give it a nice flavor.
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced ( 450g ) Go for good quality here. This is a key ingredient that adds loads of flavor.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces ( 450g ) Chicken thighs stay nice and juicy.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped ( 1 medium ) Don't skip this, it’s the base flavor.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped ( 1 medium ) Adds a bit of sweetness.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped ( 2 stalks ) Essential for that classic Cajun vibe.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ( 2 cloves ) I mean, garlic makes everything better, right?
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained ( 411g ) Don't drain them! You want that juice.
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce ( 227g ) This adds richness.
- 1 cup long grain rice ( 200g ) – Important: Long grain is the way to go. Trust me on this.
- 2 cups chicken broth ( 470 ml ) Low sodium is best.
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning ( 5 ml ) You can find this in most supermarkets.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme ( 2.5 ml ) Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ( 1.25 ml ) Optional, but adds a nice kick. If you are weeknight dinners try not to be too spicy.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Honestly, the sausage is the star here. Get a decent one, and you're halfway to a cracking chicken and sausage jambalaya .
Seasoning Notes
Cajun seasoning is your best mate here.
It's the base of all those cajun rice dishes . No Cajun seasoning? No worries! Mix paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Easy peasy.
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot with a lid A big pot is essential.
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Don't have a Dutch oven? A large, heavy bottomed pot will do.
Basically, just make sure it's something that can hold all the ingredients and distribute heat evenly. Now that you have all the equipment ready for these quick rice recipes , you can easily start cooking! And the rice dinner ideas are endless.
And there you have it, now you know how to prepare the Ingredients & Equipment.
One-Pot Jambalaya: A Taste of New Orleans in Under an Hour
Fancy a bit of Louisiana in your life? This easy jambalaya recipe is the ticket! Honestly, it's pure comfort food recipes , and it all happens in one pot.
Less washing up? Yes, please! It’s one of those easy dinner recipes that I whip up on a weeknight when I'm craving something hearty.
Think smoky sausage, juicy chicken, and that incredible Cajun flavour. Let the good times roll!
Prep Like a Pro, Even If You're Not
Essential mise en place is just a fancy way of saying get everything ready first. Chop one medium yellow onion, one green bell pepper, and two celery stalks.
Mince two cloves of garlic. Slice one pound smoked sausage and cut one pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite sized chunks.
This makes the whole process so much smoother, trust me!
step-by-step to Jambalaya Glory
- Heat one tablespoon olive oil in your biggest pot. Brown the sausage and chicken, then set aside. This is key for flavour.
- Chuck in the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes , until they soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in one can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes, one can (8 ounce) tomato sauce, one cup long grain rice, two cups chicken broth, one teaspoon Cajun seasoning, half a teaspoon dried thyme, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if you're feeling brave). Bring it all to a boil.
- Return the sausage and chicken to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Turn the heat down to low, cover, and simmer for 20- 25 minutes . Keep an eye on it, and give it a little check so it won't burn.
- Take it off the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. This makes the rice extra fluffy! Garnish with green onions and parsley.
Jambalaya Genius Hacks
Want to know the secret to a quick rice recipes and phenomenal jambalaya? Don't stir it too much while it's simmering! Trust me on this, it can make the rice gloopy.
Looking for rice dinner ideas ? It can be done by experimenting with different vegetables or meats. Jambalaya variations are endless! Also, if you're making this for a crowd, double the recipe but use a really big pot.
Leftovers are fantastic the next day! This is one of my go-to one pot meals , especially after a long day.
This recipe is a simple way to achieve flavorful cajun rice dishes .
Recipe Notes for the Perfect Jambalaya
Alright, so you're about to whip up this easy jambalaya recipe . Ace! Before you dive in headfirst, let's chat about a few tips and tricks I've picked up along the way.
Honestly, these are game changers. These are my humble notes to make this easy rice dinners recipe even better.
Serving Suggestions: Make it a Feast!
Presentation is key, you know? I reckon plating this chicken and sausage jambalaya up nicely makes all the difference.
- Plating and Presentation: I like to serve it in a big bowl, garnished with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and sliced green onions. If you are feeling fancy, a dollop of sour cream on top is spot on.
- Complementary Sides or Beverages: Cornbread is an absolute must. A simple green salad cuts through the richness like a knife through butter. And to drink? Iced tea or lemonade all the way.
Storage Tips: For Leftovers (If There Are Any!)
We all love one pot meals ! Knowing how to store leftovers safely is key.
- Refrigeration Guidelines: Store any leftover Cajun rice dishes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Freezing Options: Let it cool completely before freezing. It lasts for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.
Variations: Put Your Own Spin on It
I love to tweak recipes, don't you? It makes it feel like your own.
- Dietary Adaptations: To make it gluten-free, just ensure your sausage and Cajun seasoning are gluten-free. Easy peasy!
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the summer, chuck in some fresh corn on the cob. In the winter, some roasted squash works a treat.
Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body!
This comfort food recipes is tasty and also gives your body some goodness.
- Simplified Nutrition Information: Each serving is packed with protein from the chicken and sausage. Rice gives you a good hit of carbs for energy.
- Key Health Benefits: All those veggies mean you get a good dose of vitamins and minerals. Plus, a bit of spice is good for your metabolism!
So there you have it! With these tips, you are well on your way to mastering the easy jambalaya recipe .
Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. I know you'll nail it! You will be having delicious weeknight dinners .
Why wait? get those rice dinner ideas flowing now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Jambalaya recipe really as easy as you say? I'm a bit of a beginner in the kitchen.
Absolutely, mate! This One-Pot Jambalaya is designed to be super straightforward. The recipe uses simple techniques and readily available ingredients, so even if your cooking experience is limited to beans on toast, you should be able to whip this up without a hitch.
Just follow the steps, and you'll be chowing down on a taste of New Orleans in no time. If you're worried, read through the entire recipe before you start, prepping your ingredients will make everything much smoother.
Can I make this Jambalaya spicier? I like my food with a proper kick!
You bet your boots you can! If you're after a bit more heat, try adding a chopped jalapeño pepper when you sauté the onions and bell peppers. You could also increase the amount of cayenne pepper, but be careful, a little goes a long way.
Some Cajun seasoning blends are milder than others, so you could try a hotter brand. Finally, don't be afraid to add a dash of your favourite hot sauce to your bowl when serving.
What's the best way to store leftover Jambalaya, and how long will it last?
Leftover Jambalaya is even better the next day! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems a bit dry.
You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2-3 months), but be aware that the rice texture might change slightly upon thawing. Just make sure it's properly cooled before freezing.
I'm looking for some new easy rice dinners; can I adapt this recipe for a vegetarian option?
Definitely! For a veggie version of this Jambalaya recipe, simply omit the sausage and chicken. Add some extra vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, or sweetcorn when you sauté the onions and peppers. Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.
You could also add some canned beans, like kidney or black beans, for extra protein.
Can I use different types of sausage or rice in this easy rice dinners recipe?
Absolutely! While andouille sausage is the traditional choice for Jambalaya, any smoked sausage will work just fine even chorizo for a spicier version. Just avoid sausages that are too finely ground, as they can disappear into the dish.
As for rice, long grain rice is recommended as it holds its shape best, but you can use brown rice if you prefer. Just remember that brown rice will require more cooking time and liquid, so adjust accordingly, adding about ½ cup more broth.
Is there anything I can serve with Jambalaya to make it a complete meal?
Jambalaya is quite a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a few simple sides. A classic choice is cornbread, which complements the spicy flavours beautifully. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette also works well to balance the richness.
And don't forget a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade to wash it all down!
Onepot Jambalaya A Taste Of New Orleans
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
