Hot and Happy Jambalaya is a delightful dish that perfectly encapsulates the rich flavors of the Creole and Southwestern U.S. cuisine. This one-pot wonder is not only quick and easy to prepare but also bursts with savory goodness, making it an ideal choice for a hearty lunch, satisfying snack, or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cook time of 40 minutes, this recipe yields approximately 8 servings, ensuring there’s plenty to go around for family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 smoked sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 green onion
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 cloves fresh garlic
- 2 cups rice
- 1 1/2 cups black-eyed peas
- Parsley (for garnish)
- Tabasco sauce (to taste)
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 528.2
- Fat Content: 26.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 9.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 77.2mg
- Sodium Content: 894.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 42.1g
- Fiber Content: 1.4g
- Sugar Content: 0.8g
- Protein Content: 26.9g
Instructions:
- Begin by browning the smoked sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Once browned, drain the excess fat from the skillet, but be sure to save the flavorful drippings for later use.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped green onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic in the reserved drippings until they become tender and fragrant.
- Remove the onion mixture from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, brown the ground beef until it is cooked through and no longer pink.
- While the meat is browning, prepare the rice according to the package instructions, ensuring it is cooked to perfection.
- Once all the components are ready, it’s time to bring everything together in a large pot or kettle. Combine the cooked sausage, ground beef, sautéed onion mixture, and cooked rice in the pot.
- To add a wholesome touch, mix in the black-eyed peas along with a generous sprinkling of chopped parsley for added freshness.
- Season the jambalaya to taste with your favorite Creole spices and a dash of Tabasco sauce for that extra kick of heat.
- Allow the flavors to meld together over low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure everything is well combined.
- Once heated through, serve the Hot and Happy Jambalaya piping hot, with additional Tabasco sauce on the side for those who prefer an extra spicy kick.
Tips for Success:
- For a smokier flavor, opt for a smoked sausage variety that complements the robustness of the dish.
- Don’t skimp on the garlic! Freshly minced garlic adds layers of aromatic flavor to the jambalaya.
- Feel free to customize the spice level according to your preferences. Add more Tabasco sauce for an extra fiery experience or dial it down for a milder version.
- This dish tastes even better when allowed to rest for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to intensify and meld together into a harmonious medley of taste sensations.
Hot and Happy Jambalaya is a true crowd-pleaser that embodies the essence of comfort food at its finest. Whether enjoyed as a cozy family dinner or shared among friends at a casual gathering, this flavorful stew is guaranteed to leave everyone feeling satisfied, content, and perhaps a little bit spicier than before. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to savor the heartwarming goodness of this beloved Southern classic.
