Jambalaya New Orleans Style
A flavorful New Orleans-style jambalaya combining shrimp, sausage, ham, and vegetables with spices, perfect for hearty gatherings and lovers of bold Creole flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1 cup diced bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup diced onion ⓘ
- 2 pods garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 large can mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped ⓘ
- a few green onions ⓘ
- 1 pound shrimp ⓘ
- 1/2 pound sausage, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup diced ham ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 large can tomatoes ⓘ
- water as needed ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook rice in stock or bouillon cubes; set aside.
- Saute diced celery, bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic in oleo or butter until tender.
- Add chopped sausage, diced ham, mushrooms, and canned tomatoes; cook for a few minutes.
- Add cooked rice, tomato sauce, water as needed, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer slowly for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Stir in chopped parsley, green onions, cooked shrimp, and 1/4 stick butter.
- Mix very well and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using andouille sausage or smoked sausage in place of regular sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the shrimp with additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, and the sausage can be replaced with plant-based sausage. Also, feel free to adjust the spice level by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Jambalaya with a side of crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A light green salad or coleslaw pairs well to balance the flavors. For a delightful variation, try serving it alongside Red Cabbage And Chestnuts for a unique twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the pan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also reheat in the microwave, adding a little water to keep the dish moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jambalaya New Orleans Style contains roughly 448 calories, with 26g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (111% of the Daily Value), iron (108% of the Daily Value), and potassium (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2140mg per serving (93% 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, you can prepare Jambalaya a day in advance. Just follow the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.
What type of rice is best for Jambalaya?
Long-grain rice is typically recommended for Jambalaya, as it remains fluffy and separates well. Jasmine or basmati rice can also work, but avoid short-grain rice as it tends to become sticky.
Can I customize the proteins in Jambalaya?
Absolutely! Jambalaya is versatile; you can use chicken, crawfish, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that the proteins are fully cooked before mixing them with the rice and other ingredients.
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).