Jiffy Jambalaya
A hearty and flavorful jambalaya featuring sausage, tomatoes, and fragrant seasonings, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal suited for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 pound fully cooked Polish sausage ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 3 drops hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. uncooked instant rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion and green pepper in vegetable oil until tender.
- Add sliced Polish sausage to the skillet and cook until lightly browned.
- Stir in undrained diced tomatoes, water, sugar, paprika, thyme, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Simmer the mixture for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Meanwhile, cook the instant rice according to package instructions.
- Serve the sausage tomato mixture over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked Polish sausage instead of fully cooked for a richer taste. You can also substitute the instant rice with regular long-grain rice, just be sure to adjust the water and cooking time accordingly. If you like it spicier, add more hot pepper sauce or even some diced jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Jiffy Jambalaya with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Eileen'S German Potato Soup for a comforting dinner. For a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jiffy Jambalaya contains roughly 851 calories, with 17g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (135% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), and iron (77% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1028mg per serving (45% 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 a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can definitely use other types of sausage like andouille or chicken sausage. Each will bring a unique flavor profile, so choose based on your preference. Just ensure that the sausage is fully cooked before adding it to the dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or tofu for a vegetarian version. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor. Keep the spices and vegetables the same to maintain the essence of the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage-tomato mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just cook the rice fresh when you're ready to serve to ensure it remains fluffy and doesn't get mushy.
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).