Gumbo Jambalya
A hearty Cajun-inspired dish combining smoky sausage, flavorful shrimp, and seasoned rice with vegetables, perfect for fans of bold, spicy flavors and comforting stews.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. vegetable gumbo mix ⓘ
- 14 1/2 oz. can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. country-style link sausage, thinly sliced
- 2 oz. pepperoni, thinly sliced and casing removed ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. medium shrimp, cleaned and reserved ⓘ
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Evenly combine all ingredients, except shrimp, in a 4-quart deep pan.
- Cover with lid.
- Bring mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often, until rice absorbs liquid.
- During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the shrimp.
- Cook until the shrimp turns pink.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can substitute the shrimp with diced chicken or tofu for a different protein option. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the red pepper. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Gumbo Jambalaya hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for added color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad. For a complementary dish, consider serving alongside Stephen Putnam'S Root Vegetable Gratin for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent the dish from drying out. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gumbo Jambalya contains roughly 686 calories, with 27g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (144% of the Daily Value), protein (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2734mg per serving (119% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the gumbo mix a day in advance. Just skip adding the shrimp until you're ready to serve. When reheating, ensure the dish is heated to at least 165°F for safety.
What can I use instead of country-style sausage?
You can replace the country-style sausage with turkey sausage, chorizo, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. This will slightly change the flavor, but it will still be delicious.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The recipe includes red pepper, which adds mild heat. If you enjoy a spicier dish, feel free to add more red pepper or even some hot sauce when serving.
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).