Spicy Prawn Jambalaya

Spicy Prawn Jambalaya Recipe - A Delicious Dish from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spicy Prawn Jambalaya is a flavorful and spicy dish that combines succulent prawns with spicy sausage, vegetables, and rice. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals.

History

Jambalaya is a dish that originated in Louisiana, with influences from Spanish, French, and African cuisines. It is a one-pot dish that typically includes meat, vegetables, and rice, cooked together with spices and seasonings.

Ingredients

For the prawn part, you will need a 250 g packet of raw prawns (shrimps). Look for extra large prawns, such as "Extra large Oz banana prawns" available in the freezer section of Tesco. These cost £5 per packet and are larger than tiger prawns. Make sure to rapid-thaw the frozen prawns by running cold water over them in the sink for approximately 15 minutes.
For the meat part, you need 120 g of chorizo sausage, which can be obtained from the deli counter. Remove the outer skin of the sausage and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

And then the rest of the ingredients are

1 medium onion, sliced into 5 cm long pieces
1 large green pepper, chopped into similar-sized pieces
2 sticks of celery, chopped similarly but on the diagonal
some pulped chunks of garlic and ginger from your freezer
a chicken stock cube
2 or 3 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
some peri-peri sauce, Creole sauce, or tabasco (whichever you prefer for a spicy kick)
some chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 mug of washed rice (preferably basmati rice)

How to prepare

Recipe 1

Begin by cooking the prawns. Be careful not to overcook them. Bring a small pan of water to a boil and add the raw prawns. Simmer them for only 3 minutes, then remove, drain, and set them aside. They will be added to the finished dish at the end. Leave the shell tails on for presentation.
Next, prepare the chicken stock. Use twice the amount of water as you have rice. Boil the water and add the crushed cube until it has completely dissolved. Grind in some black pepper and add your spicy sauce to the stock. Set this aside.
In a decent sized frying pan or wok with a lid, heat the chorizo sausage pieces on high. No oil is needed. Stir them until they start to fry in their own oil.
After a few minutes of frying the sausage, remove them and set them aside on absorbent kitchen paper. Using the same pan, add some vegetable oil (sunflower oil is recommended) and fry the onions until they soften.
Next, add the green peppers. Keep the flame on high and stir-fry the onions and peppers until they start to develop browned edges.
Turn the flame down slightly and add the pulped garlic and ginger. After a few minutes of stir-frying, add the celery pieces and continue to stir-fry.
Add the sausage pieces back into the pan and give everything a good stir. Then add the washed and drained rice, making sure that the rice gets thoroughly coated with the oils in the pan.

Recipe 2

Once the rice is well stirred, add the stock liquid. Turn up the flame until the pot reaches a boil. At this point, add the chopped tomato and bay leaves.
Cover the pot with a lid and turn down the flame to the lowest possible setting. The rice will cook in the steam for about 20 minutes. Do not remove the lid during this time to ensure the rice cooks properly.
After 20 minutes, remove the lid and add the cooked prawns. Stir them gently into the rice mixture, then replace the lid and let the rice rest for 5 minutes.
After five minutes, you are ready to serve. Sprinkle parsley and spring onion on top of the mixture in the pot and stir gently. Serve on a plate and enjoy. If you prefer extra spice, add some Tabasco sauce. A glass of chilled sparkling white wine, particularly Spanish Cava, is recommended as a pairing.

Variations

Substitute chicken or beef for the prawns for a different protein option.
Add more vegetables such as okra or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be careful not to overcook the prawns, as they can become tough and rubbery.

- Use a good quality spicy sausage to add flavor to the dish.

- Make sure to stir the rice well to ensure it is evenly coated with the oils and flavors in the pan.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spicy Prawn Jambalaya hot, garnished with chopped parsley and spring onions. It pairs well with a glass of chilled sparkling white wine.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the ingredients helps to develop flavor and texture in the dish.

- Cooking the rice in the steam ensures that it cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of spicy sausage or chorizo for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute long-grain rice for basmati rice if preferred.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving.

- Cook the prawns and sausage in advance and store them in the refrigerator until needed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Spicy Prawn Jambalaya in a large serving dish, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. - Use colorful plates and bowls to make the dish visually appealing.

Pairing Recommendations

Spicy Prawn Jambalaya pairs well with a crisp green salad or crusty bread.

- For a complete meal, serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh fruit salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spicy Prawn Jambalaya contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on portion size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish mainly come from the rice and vegetables. It is a good source of energy for the body.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the sausage and vegetable oil used for cooking. It is important to use these fats in moderation for a balanced diet.

Proteins

The proteins in this dish come from the prawns and sausage. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables used, such as onions, peppers, and celery. These provide essential nutrients for overall health.

Alergens

This dish contains shellfish (prawns) and sausage, which may be allergens for some individuals. It is important to check for any allergies before consuming.

Summary

Spicy Prawn Jambalaya is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Spicy Prawn Jambalaya is a delicious and spicy dish that combines prawns, sausage, vegetables, and rice in a flavorful one-pot meal. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, it is a satisfying and nutritious option for any meal. Enjoy this dish with a glass of chilled sparkling white wine for a complete dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Spicy Prawn Jambalaya. It was a hot summer day in New Orleans, and I was wandering the bustling streets of the French Quarter, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant city. As I passed by a small, hole-in-the-wall restaurant, the delicious aroma of Cajun spices and seafood wafted out into the street, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

I stepped inside the cozy eatery and was greeted by a friendly old chef named Pierre. He had a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous smile as he beckoned me over to the kitchen. "Ah, petite mademoiselle, you must try my famous Spicy Prawn Jambalaya," he said in his thick Cajun accent. "It's a family recipe passed down from generation to generation."

I eagerly accepted his offer and watched in awe as Pierre whipped up a steaming pot of jambalaya, using fresh prawns, spicy Andouille sausage, bell peppers, onions, and a secret blend of herbs and spices. The tantalizing aroma filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As I sat down to devour the piping hot dish, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special. The flavors exploded in my mouth, each bite a symphony of spicy, savory, and succulent notes. Pierre chuckled at my obvious delight and handed me a handwritten copy of the recipe, complete with his own personal touches and tips.

From that moment on, Spicy Prawn Jambalaya became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I would often whip up a batch for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, much to the delight of my loved ones.

Over the years, I have tweaked and refined the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it truly my own. I have shared it with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about its deliciousness and begged for the secret behind its mouthwatering flavor.

But the true magic of this recipe lies not just in its ingredients and preparation, but in the memories and experiences that it evokes. Each time I make Spicy Prawn Jambalaya, I am transported back to that hot summer day in New Orleans, to Pierre's warm smile and hearty laugh, and to the sense of camaraderie and community that permeated the bustling streets of the French Quarter.

As I stir the pot, the steam rising in fragrant tendrils, I can almost hear the lively jazz music playing in the background, the clatter of pots and pans in the busy kitchen, and the laughter of friends and family gathered around the table.

And as I sit down to savor each mouthful of the delectable dish, I am grateful for the culinary journey that has brought me to this moment, for the people and places that have inspired me, and for the simple joy of sharing a delicious meal with those I love.

So here it is, my beloved recipe for Spicy Prawn Jambalaya, passed down through the generations and infused with the warmth and flavors of my own unique culinary journey. May it bring you as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought me, and may it inspire you to create your own delicious memories in the kitchen. Bon appétit!

With love,

Grandma [Your Grandma's Name]