Ingredients:
1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced
1/2 pound cooked chicken, diced
1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes with juice
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 bay leaf
2 cups cooked white rice
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions:
1. First, heat a large dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once the pot is hot, add in the sliced sausage and cook for a few minutes until the slices are browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
2. With the remaining sausage fat in the pot, add in the diced onions, bell peppers, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
3. Add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Add the cooked sausage and diced chicken into the mixture and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
6. Add in the raw shrimp and cook until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. This should only take a few minutes. Do not overcook the shrimp.
7. Once everything is cooked, add in the cooked rice and stir everything together. Allow the mixture to heat through.
8. Give it a taste test and add some salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
10. Once the jambalaya is ready, serve it in a bowl and garnish with sliced green onions.
Jambalaya can be a versatile dish where you can add your preferred protein such as ham, beef, or even tofu. You can also mix in different vegetables such as okra, carrots, or corn to add some more color and flavor. The beauty of jambalaya is that it’s a dish that can adapt to your available ingredients, tastes, and preferences.
In conclusion, with these simple steps, you can make a delicious, flavorful jambalaya with ease. This dish is perfect to serve on a cool day, or for entertaining a crowd. Don’t be shy, get creative with your ingredients and make it your own. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to whip up your version of jambalaya to impress everyone.