Gavin'S Yummy In The Tummy Jambalaya
A hearty, flavorful jambalaya featuring shrimp, smoky bacon, and aromatic spices, perfect for those who enjoy bold tastes and a satisfying, rice-based dish.
Ingredients
- 5 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 6 cups canned tomatoes with liquid ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 3 pounds shrimp shelled and deveined ⓘ
- 1/3 cup finely chopped parsley ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 6 cups hot cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp.
- Drain the bacon, but save the bacon fat.
- Cook onion, celery, and green pepper in the bacon fat until the onion is tender.
- Add canned tomatoes with liquid, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and thyme to the vegetables.
- Simmer the mixture for 15 minutes.
- Add shelled and deveined shrimp, chopped parsley, and salt to the mixture.
- Cook until the shrimp are done.
- Serve the jambalaya over hot cooked rice.
- Garnish with crumbled bacon.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked paprika or replacing some of the bacon with andouille sausage for a Cajun twist. Fresh shrimp will yield the best results, but frozen can be used in a pinch—just ensure they're fully thawed before cooking. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference, especially if serving guests who may prefer milder dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the jambalaya hot, garnished with crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of additional parsley for freshness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for balance. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a side of roasted vegetables or some savory Portugal Beans for a hearty combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. This will help maintain the texture of the shrimp and rice.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gavin'S Yummy In The Tummy Jambalaya contains roughly 888 calories, with 84g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (441% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (332% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of meat in this jambalaya?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace the shrimp with a medley of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of the bacon fat.
How spicy is this jambalaya?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The cayenne pepper and chili powder contribute to the heat, so feel free to reduce these amounts if you prefer a milder flavor. You can also add sour cream or yogurt on the side to cool down the dish if needed.
Can I make jambalaya ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the jambalaya a day in advance. Cook the dish completely and let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).