Jambalaya – A Flavorful One-Pot Dish
Jambalaya is a classic and hearty dish, brimming with bold flavors from a mix of savory vegetables, tender meats, and aromatic spices. This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious jambalaya perfect for serving four people, with a rich homemade chicken broth that infuses every bite of the dish with depth and warmth. Let’s dive into making this delightful one-pot wonder that combines rice, shrimp, chicken, chorizo, and a vibrant array of vegetables.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 500g |
| Shrimp | 600g |
| Tomato pulp | 450g |
| Chorizo | 100g |
| Green peppers | 300g |
| Onions | 150g |
| Celery | 100g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 40g |
| Cajun seasoning | 2 tbsp |
| Parsley | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Chicken drumsticks (legs) | 350g (approx. 4 pieces) |
| Water | 3L |
| Carrots | 100g |
| Onions (additional) | 100g |
| Celery (additional) | 50g |
| Coarse salt | 2 tsp |
| Jamaican pepper (allspice) | 2 tsp |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Broth
Begin by making the flavorful chicken broth, which will be the base of your jambalaya. Start by cleaning and roughly chopping the onions, celery, and carrots. Use a sharp knife to remove the skin from the chicken drumsticks.
Add the chopped vegetables and chicken to a large pot, and cover everything with 3 liters of water. Season generously with coarse salt. Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 50 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring that all the flavors meld together.
Step 2: Strain the Broth
Once the 50 minutes have passed and the chicken is fully cooked, strain the broth to remove all solids, leaving behind a clear, rich liquid full of deep flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Jambalaya
While the broth is simmering, you can start on the jambalaya. Clean and dice the green peppers, onions, and celery into small cubes.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced vegetables to the pan. Sauté them for about 10 minutes until they soften and start to release their fragrance. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
Step 4: Cook the Chorizo and Chicken
Slice the chorizo into small pieces and add it to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. If you saved some cooked chicken from the broth, remove the meat from the bones and shred it into bite-sized pieces, adding it to the pan as well. Stir everything together, letting the chorizo release its flavorful oils and the chicken absorb the savory juices.
Step 5: Add the Rice and Tomato Pulp
Now, add the rice to the pan, stirring it well to coat it with the flavors of the chorizo and vegetables. Once the rice is well-mixed, pour in the tomato pulp, and stir again to ensure the mixture is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Cook the Jambalaya
Add the strained chicken broth into the rice mixture, making sure the liquid fully covers the rice. Bring it to a simmer, then cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Step 7: Final Touches
Once the rice is cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the shrimp. They will cook through in the hot rice. Season the dish with Cajun seasoning, a generous grind of black pepper, and Jamaican pepper for an extra kick of flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the jambalaya from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve your jambalaya hot and enjoy a truly comforting, flavorful one-pot meal. Pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a full meal.
Serving Suggestions
Jambalaya is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. For a lighter touch, pair it with a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables. If you’re in the mood for something more indulgent, a slice of warm, buttered cornbread would make an excellent side dish. You could also consider a refreshing citrus-based drink like lemonade or iced tea to complement the spices in the jambalaya.
This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also an ideal choice for family gatherings, casual dinner parties, or even a cozy weeknight meal.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~550 kcal |
| Protein | ~30g |
| Carbohydrates | ~70g |
| Fat | ~15g |
| Fiber | ~4g |
| Sodium | ~800mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact quantities and specific ingredients used.)
Enjoy the rich, complex flavors of this homemade jambalaya—perfectly balanced with the heat from Cajun spices and the savory depth of chicken and chorizo.
