An aspiring home baker who wants to prepare a special dish for an occasion can consider trying an authentic Creole jambalaya recipe. This dish is a true comfort food that is packed with savory flavors. While each professional chef may have their own unique secret recipe, anyone can easily make a traditional creole jambalaya by following simple online instructions. Moreover, the homemade version can be even more delicious when made correctly.
What is homemade Creole jambalaya?
This one-pot dish originates in Louisiana and is also a household favorite. The word Jambalaya means “all mixed up” or “jumbled.” That’s pretty much what the dish is about- a combination of ideas from West African, Spanish, and French influences to create this perfect dish.
When is the right time to make it?
One might see the preparation at various functions, including family gatherings and game nights. One can prepare this dish in a big batch, and tuck it away for such occasions ahead of time. What’s the benefit here? The host can also enjoy a delicious meal and spend more time with friends/family without the need to be near the stove the whole time.
The Creole jambalaya ingredients
While the Jambalaya might look complex to make, it isn’t. One simply needs to buy/prepare the required raw materials that go into the dish.
- Kosher salt
- Bay leaves
- Diced celery ribs
- Long-grain rice
- Dried oregano
- Garlic powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Freshly ground black pepper
- A teaspoon of tomato paste
- A diced medium yellow onion
- Minced garlic cloves
- Louisiana-style hot sauce
- Peeled whole tomatoes, packed in juice
- Canola, vegetable, or other neutral oil
- White and light green parts only, thinly sliced
- Stemmed, seeded, and diced medium green bell peppers
- Minced fresh thyme leaves (or dried thyme)
- Homemade chicken stock or low-sodium store-bought broth
In addition to the list above, the rest of the flavor in the Creole jambalaya comes from the meats in the dish, like shrimp and sausage. Some top choices to gather include:
- Cooked Cajun or Creole sausage (andouille or chaurice), sliced into thin rounds
- Boneless and skinless chicken thighs
- Peeled and deveined shrimps
Steps to make Creole jambalaya
Add tomatoes, their juice, and chicken broth to a measured cup
Strain the tomatoes and add the liquid to a four-cup measuring cup. Then, use fingers to peel each tomato open to release the liquid within the seed compartments. Strain the liquid in the measuring cup. Once done, crush the soft tomatoes with hands to make it a paste-like consistency. After achieving a tomato pulp, pour a generous amount of rich chicken stock into the tomato juice. Keep the measuring cup aside to let the flavors of the ingredients blend.
Cook the chicken
The next step involves seasoning the chicken all over with salt and pepper. Post this, preheat an oven to 325°F. In the meantime, pour some oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until it shimmers. Follow this by adding the chicken to the oven to cook. Turn it on both sides and let it cook for six minutes until it turns brown. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for about five minutes, then slice them into half-inch pieces and set aside.
Add the sausages, and some veggies to the Dutch oven
While the chicken rests, add some quantity of sausages to the Dutch oven to cook. Make sure to stir the mixture occasionally until it starts to turn dark. This process usually takes about three minutes. During this process, make sure to lower the heat flame or add some oil at any point to prevent burning. At the same time, add bell peppers, onion, celery, and garlic and cook them well. Make sure to stir and scrape the bottom of the Dutch oven until the browned bits come loose and the vegetables begin to turn lightly golden. This part usually takes about 8 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste
After the ingredients are blended, add the tomato paste to the Dutch oven and stir until the texture of the dish is lightly browned, for about a minute. Then, pour in some hot sauce and sprinkle oregano, cayenne, garlic powder, thyme, and black pepper as per one’s taste. Follow this by throwing in the crushed tomatoes, tomato mixture, bay leaves, and diced chicken, then bring to a simmer. At the end, season the concoction with salt. Don’t forget to taste the liquid to check if it is well seasoned.
Add the rice
Towards the end of the preparation, one must stir in rice and return to a simmer. This must be covered with a lid and transferred to the over. The individual must then bake until the liquid is completely absorbed and the rice is tender. The baking process should take about 40 minutes.
Stir in shrimp and scallions
After the rice is added, one must gently stir in shrimp and scallions in the oven for about five minutes until the shrimp is cooked. Cover the pot and let it rest for about 15 minutes, then remove the bay leaves.
After following all these steps, the dish should be ready. All that’s left to do is serve it to guests and watch as they relish the flavors of this easy Creole jambalaya recipe.