Jambalaya with Chicken and Sausage

Jambalaya with Chicken and Sausage Recipe - A Taste of Southern USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Jambalaya is a classic Creole dish that originated in Louisiana, known for its bold flavors and hearty ingredients. This recipe for Jambalaya with Chicken and Sausage is a delicious and satisfying one-pot meal that is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a comforting weeknight dinner.

History

Jambalaya has its roots in Spanish and French cuisine, with influences from West African, Native American, and Caribbean cooking. The dish is believed to have been created in Louisiana in the 18th century, combining local ingredients such as rice, vegetables, and meats with a variety of spices and seasonings.

Ingredients

0.5 frying chicken, cut up or boned
salt and ground black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil
0.75 lb (340 g) sausage, cut into 0.25 inch slices
2 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped green peppers
1.5 tsp minced garlic
2.5 cup chicken stock
1 tsp salt
ground red pepper
2 cup uncooked rice
1 cup sliced green onions (optional)
1 cup chopped tomatoes (optional)

How to prepare

Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown it in hot oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the sausage and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and sausage from the saucepan and set them aside.
Cook the onions, celery, green peppers, and garlic in the same saucepan until they are tender-crisp. Stir in the stock, salt, red pepper, and the reserved chicken and sausage.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the rice and return to a boil. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
Stir in the onions and tomatoes, if desired.

Variations

Substitute shrimp or crawfish for the chicken and sausage for a seafood twist on this classic dish.
Add in other vegetables such as okra or bell peppers for additional flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the chicken and sausage well before browning to enhance the flavors of the dish.

- Cooking the vegetables until they are tender-crisp will help maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming mushy.

- Stirring in the green onions and tomatoes at the end of cooking will add a fresh and vibrant touch to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Jambalaya with a side of cornbread or crusty French bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken and sausage before cooking the vegetables will help develop rich flavors in the dish.

- Simmering the Jambalaya covered allows the rice to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use turkey sausage or tofu for a lighter version of this dish.

- Swap out the white rice for brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.

Make Ahead Tips

This Jambalaya can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Jambalaya with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Jambalaya with a crisp salad or coleslaw for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

400 per serving

Carbohydrates

- Rice: 2 cups

- Onions: 2 cups

- Celery: 1 cup

- Green peppers: 1 cup

- Tomatoes: 1 cup

- Total Carbohydrates per serving: 45g

Fats

- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp

- Sausage: 0.75 lb

- Total Fats per serving: 20g

Proteins

- Chicken: 0.5 frying chicken

- Sausage: 0.75 lb

- Total Proteins per serving: 35g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 45% of daily value

- Iron: 20% of daily value

- Calcium: 10% of daily value

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

This Jambalaya recipe is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Jambalaya with Chicken and Sausage recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. With a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, it is a well-rounded meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy this classic Creole dish for a taste of Louisiana in your own home.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. I was visiting a dear friend in New Orleans and she invited me over for dinner. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, the aroma of spices and meats filled the air. My friend smiled and handed me a glass of sweet tea, telling me that she was making her famous Jambalaya with Chicken and Sausage.

I watched in awe as she effortlessly chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery, known as the "holy trinity" of Cajun cooking. She then added the chicken and sausage, browning them until they were golden and crisp. The sound of sizzling filled the room, making my stomach rumble in anticipation.

As she stirred in the tomatoes, rice, and a blend of spices, the pot simmered and bubbled, creating a savory melody of flavors. The jambalaya slowly cooked, releasing its rich aroma into the kitchen. My friend explained that this dish was a traditional Creole recipe, passed down through generations in her family.

I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. When she finally ladled a steaming spoonful onto my plate, I took a bite and was instantly transported to a world of bold flavors and hearty comfort. The tender chicken, spicy sausage, and perfectly cooked rice melded together in a harmonious dance of taste and texture.

I begged her to share the recipe with me, eager to recreate this delicious dish in my own kitchen. She smiled and handed me a handwritten card with the ingredients and instructions. I thanked her profusely, promising to cherish this recipe and make it for my own family someday.

Back at home, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. As I chopped, stirred, and simmered, memories of my time in New Orleans flooded back to me. The sounds of jazz music, the scent of magnolia blossoms, and the taste of authentic Creole cuisine filled my senses.

Finally, the jambalaya was ready. I scooped it into bowls and called my family to the table. As they took their first bites, their faces lit up with delight. They praised the dish, marveling at the bold flavors and comforting warmth of the jambalaya.

From that moment on, Jambalaya with Chicken and Sausage became a beloved staple in our household. I made it for special occasions, family gatherings, and even just for a cozy dinner on a rainy day. Each time I cooked it, I thought of my friend in New Orleans and the bond we shared over this delicious recipe.

Over the years, I have adapted the recipe to suit my family's tastes, adding a touch more spice here, a pinch of herbs there. I have shared it with friends, neighbors, and anyone who has asked for a taste of authentic Creole cuisine.

As I stand in my kitchen now, stirring a pot of bubbling jambalaya, I can't help but feel grateful for the memories and connections this dish has brought into my life. It may have started with a simple recipe, but it has grown into so much more – a symbol of friendship, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we love.