Easy Jambalaya: A Flavorful One-Pot Meal
This Easy Jambalaya recipe combines the delightful tastes of Cajun and Creole cuisine into a comforting, one-dish meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with family and friends. With its ability to accommodate a variety of proteins such as sausage, shrimp, and chicken, this dish is both versatile and satisfying, making it a beloved choice among home cooks. Inspired by a recipe from the Houston Chronicle, this jambalaya promises to deliver on flavor while remaining simple and approachable for even the novice chef. Let’s dive into the details to create this delicious meal.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
| Description | Easy to make, accommodates your choice of sausage, shrimp, chicken, etc. A quick one-pot meal! |
| Category | One Dish Meal |
| Servings | 8 |
| Rating | 5 stars (based on 4 reviews) |
Keywords
Cajun, Creole, Pork, Poultry, Rice, Meat, One Dish Meal, < 60 Mins, Oven, Beginner Cook, Easy
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Content |
|---|---|
| Calories | 444.2 kcal |
| Total Fat | 23.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 48.2 mg |
| Sodium | 1147.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 44.8 g |
| Fiber | 1.8 g |
| Sugar | 2.3 g |
| Protein | 13.8 g |
Ingredients
To bring this Easy Jambalaya to life, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Margarine | 1/2 cup |
| Green onion (chopped) | 2 |
| Converted rice | 1 cup |
| Mushroom pieces | 1 can |
| Rotel tomatoes & chilies | 1 can |
| Beef broth | 1 cup |
| Shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 1 cup |
| Chicken (cubed) | 1 cup |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin your culinary journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your jambalaya will bake evenly and thoroughly.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped green onions, allowing them to sauté until they become soft and fragrant, typically taking around 3 to 5 minutes. This will form the flavorful base of your dish.
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Incorporate the Rice: Next, add the converted rice to the pot, stirring well to coat the rice with the buttery mixture. This step will help the rice absorb all the delicious flavors as it cooks. Allow the rice to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Add Mushrooms and Seasoning: After the rice has been lightly toasted, stir in the mushroom pieces along with your favorite Cajun seasoning. This is where you can adjust the heat level to your liking, adding more or less seasoning based on your preference. Let this mixture simmer for another 5 minutes.
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Combine with Liquid Ingredients: Stir in the Rotel tomatoes and chilies, the onion soup mix, and the beef broth. Make sure to combine everything thoroughly, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. This rich combination of liquids will provide the moisture necessary for the rice to cook.
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Mix in Your Chosen Proteins: At this point, add your choice of protein, whether it be shrimp, chicken, or sausage. Stir everything together, ensuring that the proteins are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Bake to Perfection: Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Allow the jambalaya to bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The long, slow baking process will help the flavors develop, making every bite a savory delight.
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Stir Halfway Through: To ensure even cooking, gently stir the jambalaya once halfway through the cooking time. This will help prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot and allow for a uniform texture.
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Final Touches: Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the Dutch oven from the oven (it will be hot!). Give the jambalaya a good stir before serving, and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. This resting period will help the flavors settle and enhance the overall taste.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Easy Jambalaya hot, garnished with additional chopped green onions or parsley if desired. This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
Conclusion
This Easy Jambalaya is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and a testament to the joy of cooking with family and friends. With its robust taste and straightforward preparation, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your home. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy dinner with loved ones, this one-pot wonder will surely impress. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Louisiana cuisine and make this jambalaya your own by personalizing it with your favorite ingredients. Happy cooking!
