Savory Brown Rice Jambalaya: A Hearty One-Dish Meal
This delightful Brown Rice Jambalaya features a wonderful nuttiness from the brown rice, making it not only flavorful but also a healthier choice, as it is lower in fat and sodium free. The recipe, adapted from a local newspaper, has won our hearts with its satisfying combination of chicken, smoked sausage, and vibrant vegetables. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a lively brunch with friends.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Category: One Dish Meal
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Chicken piece (thighs or breasts) | 1 |
| Smoked sausage | ½ (sliced) |
| Onion | 1 (chopped) |
| Celery | 1 (chopped) |
| Green pepper | 1 (chopped) |
| Garlic cloves | 2 (minced) |
| Brown rice | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh ground pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Fresh cilantro or parsley | ½ cup (chopped) |
| Jalapeño (optional) | 1 (sliced, for garnish) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 697.4 |
| Total Fat | 38.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 95.8 mg |
| Sodium | 1331.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 50.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g |
| Sugars | 6.5 g |
| Protein | 34.8 g |
Instructions
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Heat the Oil: In a large Dutch oven, begin by heating the olive oil over medium-high heat. This is the first step towards developing a rich flavor base for your jambalaya.
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Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot, ensuring they are browned well on all sides. This process will seal in the juices and enhance the overall taste of your dish. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
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Cook the Sausage: Next, add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Cook until the sausage is nicely browned, which should take about 5 minutes. The rendered fat from the sausage will contribute additional flavor to your jambalaya.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, celery, green pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook this aromatic mixture until the vegetables are softened, which typically takes around 5 minutes. The aroma of sautéing vegetables will fill your kitchen, enticing everyone nearby.
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Incorporate the Rice: Stir in the brown rice, ensuring each grain is well-coated with the oil and flavor from the vegetables and sausage. Continue cooking for an additional minute to toast the rice slightly, which enhances its nuttiness.
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Add Liquid and Spices: Pour in the chicken stock and add the salt, freshly ground pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
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Nestle in the Chicken: Once boiling, carefully nestle the browned chicken pieces back into the rice mixture. This step allows the chicken to absorb all the wonderful flavors while it cooks.
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Simmer and Cook: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the jambalaya to cook gently until the chicken is fully cooked through, the liquid is absorbed, and the rice is tender. This should take about 30 minutes.
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Finishing Touches: Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh burst of flavor. Cover again and let it sit for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve with Garnish: If desired, garnish with sliced jalapeño for a touch of heat. Alternatively, you can mix the jalapeño in with the green pepper earlier in the cooking process for a spicier kick throughout the dish.
This Brown Rice Jambalaya is not only a wholesome one-dish meal but also a celebration of flavors and textures that everyone at the table will enjoy. Serve it hot and watch it disappear!
