Ham And Sausage Jambalaya
A hearty Cajun-inspired jambalaya with smoked sausage, ham, shrimp, and aromatic vegetables, perfect for family dinners and flavorful gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 3 celery stalks, chopped ⓘ
- 5 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 lb ham, cut into bite-sized pieces ⓘ
- 1.5 lb sliced smoked sausage (Kielbasa or Andouille) ⓘ
- 1 lb shrimp ⓘ
- 2 cups long grain white rice ⓘ
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cups beef stock ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- Salt to taste ⓘ
- 12 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup minced parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large heavy pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic; cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Add ham and sliced smoked sausage; cook until sausage is light brown, about 8 minutes.
- Add rice to the pot; cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add chopped tomatoes, beef stock, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste; stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 45 minutes.
- Add shrimp to the pot; cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Stir in chopped parsley and green onions.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a smoked ham hock or using homemade beef stock. If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños. You can substitute the shrimp with chicken or more sausage if desired. Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffier grains.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this jambalaya hot, garnished with extra green onions and a sprinkle of parsley. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Dean'S Elephant Soup for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of beef stock or water to prevent drying out, and warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short intervals, covered, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham And Sausage Jambalaya contains roughly 1330 calories, with 35g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 106g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (183% of the Daily Value), iron (124% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (109% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2954mg per serving (128% 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 jambalaya ahead of time?
Yes, jambalaya can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Simply prepare the dish, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving.
What type of rice is best for jambalaya?
Long grain white rice is ideal for jambalaya as it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well. Avoid using short grain rice, as it can become mushy. If you prefer brown rice, you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can make a delicious vegetarian version by omitting the ham and sausage and replacing them with a variety of vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef stock to maintain the flavors.
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).