Description
Festive Mardi Gras jambalaya brings Louisiana’s spicy culinary spirit to home kitchens, blending rich sausage, tender chicken, and bold Creole seasonings. Guests will savor this authentic Southern classic that promises delicious celebration in each hearty bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups long-grain rice
- 6 cups chicken broth (480 ml)
- 1 pound (454 g) Andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 pound (454 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound (454 g) boneless chicken thighs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsps Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Sear andouille sausage and chicken pieces in heated olive oil at medium temperature until golden and caramelized, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Incorporate chopped trinity vegetables (onions, bell peppers, celery) and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and vegetables become translucent, around 4-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning generously across the protein and vegetable mixture, stirring to distribute spices evenly.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, allowing liquid to reach a gentle bubbling state, which helps develop deeper flavor profiles.
- Add long-grain rice, stirring to combine with existing ingredients, then reduce heat to low and cover pot tightly.
- Allow jambalaya to simmer undisturbed for 18-22 minutes, permitting rice to absorb liquid and achieve tender consistency.
- During final cooking minutes, fold raw shrimp into the mixture, ensuring they turn opaque pink and cook completely without overcooking, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat, let stand covered for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to rest before serving.
Notes
- Swap proteins easily by replacing chicken with tofu or additional seafood for vegetarian or pescatarian diets.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning level to control spiciness, using mild or hot versions depending on personal heat tolerance.
- Ensure rice doesn’t stick by stirring occasionally and using a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid for even heat distribution.
- Prepare ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and prevent overcrowding during sautéing stages.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 479
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg