Jambalaya Mix

Authentic Jambalaya Mix Recipe - Discover the Taste of Louisiana

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Jambalaya Mix is a flavorful and spicy dish that originated in Louisiana. This recipe combines a mix of dried herbs and spices with rice to create a delicious base for the jambalaya. The addition of sausage or turkey and tomato sauce adds depth and richness to the dish.

History

Jambalaya is a traditional Louisiana Creole dish with Spanish, French, and African influences. It is believed to have originated in the Caribbean and was brought to Louisiana by Spanish settlers. Over time, the dish evolved to include local ingredients such as rice, sausage, and seafood. Jambalaya has become a staple in Louisiana cuisine and is enjoyed by people all over the world.

Ingredients

Mix

1 cup uncooked rice
0.25 cup dried green pepper flakes
0.25 cup dried celery flakes
1 tbsp dried onion flakes
1 tbsp dried parsley flakes
1 tbsp beef-flavored bouillon granules
1 tsp paprika
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
0.25 tsp garlic powder
0.25 tsp thyme
0.25 tsp ground red pepper

Jambalaya

1 lb (454 g) turkey or low-fat smoked sausage (cut into 0.25 inch slices)
2 cup water (use 1.75 cup for medium or short-grain rice, 2.5 cup for brown rice)
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can tomato sauce in large saucepan or dutch oven.

How to prepare

Mix

Combine rice, pepper flakes, celery flakes, onion flakes, parsley flakes, bouillon granules, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and red pepper.
Store in an airtight container or plastic bag.

Jambalaya

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine turkey or sausage, rice mix, water, and tomato sauce.
Bring the mixture to a boil and stir once or twice.
Reduce the heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes (25 minutes for parboiled rice, 45 to 50 minutes for brown rice) or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff the rice with a fork.

Variations

Add shrimp or chicken to the jambalaya for a seafood or poultry twist.
Use different types of sausage such as andouille or chorizo for a unique flavor.
Substitute the rice mix with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use a large saucepan or Dutch oven to cook the jambalaya to prevent overflow.

- Stir the jambalaya occasionally while cooking to ensure even distribution of flavors.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper to suit your spice preference.

- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken or vegetable broth instead of bouillon granules.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Jambalaya Mix with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious jambalaya is to cook the rice until it is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Be sure to simmer the jambalaya covered to trap the steam and cook the rice evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have dried herbs and spices on hand, you can use fresh herbs instead. Simply chop them finely and adjust the quantities to taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice mix in advance and store it in an airtight container for up to a month. This makes it easy to whip up a batch of jambalaya whenever you're in the mood for a spicy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the jambalaya with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Serve it in a large bowl or on a platter for a family-style meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Jambalaya Mix pairs well with a glass of cold beer or a fruity white wine such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover jambalaya in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Jambalaya Mix is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Jambalaya Mix is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Jambalaya Mix is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. With a mix of herbs, spices, rice, and protein, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. I was at a farmer's market in New Orleans, browsing through the stalls filled with fresh produce and homemade goods, when I stumbled upon a little stand selling spices and seasonings. As soon as I caught a whiff of the fragrant mix of herbs and spices coming from the stall, I knew I had to stop and take a closer look.

The vendor, a kind old man with a twinkle in his eye, saw my interest and struck up a conversation. He told me that the mix he was selling was his own special blend for making jambalaya, a traditional Creole dish that originated in Louisiana. Intrigued, I asked him for more details and he happily obliged.

He explained that jambalaya is a flavorful one-pot dish made with rice, meat, and vegetables, all cooked together in a delicious broth seasoned with a mix of herbs and spices. The key to a great jambalaya, he told me, was in the seasoning mix – a blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and bay leaves, among other things.

I was fascinated by the idea of creating my own jambalaya mix and couldn't wait to try it out. The vendor was kind enough to share his recipe with me, along with a few tips and tricks for making the perfect jambalaya. Armed with my newfound knowledge, I headed home eager to get started.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed – the spices, some good quality rice, chicken, sausage, and a variety of fresh vegetables – and set to work. I followed the vendor's instructions carefully, measuring out the spices and blending them together to create my own signature jambalaya mix.

As the fragrant aroma of the spices filled my kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. I knew that this dish was going to be something special, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family.

When the jambalaya was finally ready, I served it up in large bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. The flavors were incredible – rich, smoky, and perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of heat from the cayenne pepper.

My family couldn't get enough of it, and they practically licked their bowls clean. They raved about how delicious it was, asking for seconds and thirds, and even requesting the recipe so they could make it themselves.

From that day on, jambalaya became a regular fixture on our dinner table. It was a dish that brought us together, filling our home with warmth and laughter, and creating cherished memories that would last a lifetime.

Over the years, I've continued to tweak and refine my jambalaya recipe, adding new ingredients and experimenting with different flavors. I've shared it with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about its deliciousness and begged for the recipe.

But no matter how many times I make it, that first jambalaya mix – the one I learned from the kind old vendor at the farmer's market – will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the recipe that sparked my love for cooking and ignited my passion for creating delicious dishes that bring joy to the ones I love.

And so, whenever I make jambalaya now, I think back to that fateful day at the farmer's market, and I smile, grateful for the serendipitous encounter that introduced me to this wonderful dish. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best recipes come from unexpected places and people, and that the joy of cooking is in the journey of discovery and creation.