New Orleans Style Jambalaya
A flavorful Cajun-inspired dish featuring succulent shrimp, smoky ham, and aromatic spices, perfect for seafood lovers and hearty appetites alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onions, green pepper, celery, and garlic in melted butter.
- Add shrimp and ham; fry for 5 minutes on medium heat.
- Stir in tomatoes and cook an additional 10 minutes.
- Stir in rice and add seasoning.
- Add 1 cup water and bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer until rice is done, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the shrimp in a mix of Cajun spices before cooking. If you don't have fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes work well. You can substitute the shrimp with chicken or andouille sausage for a different protein. Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference, and feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or okra for more texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your jambalaya with a side of crusty French bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions on top just before serving adds a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Turnips And Collard Greens for a hearty Southern feast.
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 prevent the rice from drying out, and heat in a saucepan over medium heat. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, covering the dish to retain moisture, and heat in short intervals until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Orleans Style Jambalaya contains roughly 803 calories, with 14g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), iron (43% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1293mg per serving (56% 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 and stored in the fridge. In fact, the flavors often deepen after sitting for a day. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing, and reheat as needed. It also freezes well, but for best texture, consume within a month.
What can I use instead of shrimp?
If you prefer a different protein, chicken, andouille sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian option can be great substitutes. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as chicken will need longer to cook through, while tofu should be added towards the end.
Is jambalaya spicy?
Jambalaya can range from mild to spicy depending on the seasonings used. If you like it spicy, consider adding cayenne pepper or using spicy sausage. For a milder version, limit the amount of hot spices and focus on the herbs for flavor.
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).