Classic Jambalaya Recipe

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken and Sausage:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and sausage, and cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Rice and Seasonings:
   Stir in the rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the rice and spices.
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
   Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil.
5. Simmer the Jambalaya:
   Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Cook the Shrimp:
   Stir in the shrimp, cover the pot, and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley before serving.

Notes:

• For a smoky flavour, consider using Andouille sausage.
• You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
• Jambalaya is a versatile dish – feel free to add more vegetables or swap out the protein to suit your taste.

Enjoy your homemade jambalaya!