Poor Man'S Jambalaya
A hearty, flavorful jambalaya-inspired dish featuring ham, chicken, vegetables, and rice simmered in a savory tomato broth, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups diced ham ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 medium pepper, cut in strips ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 15 oz can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 3/4 cup uncooked rice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked, chopped chicken ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook diced ham, chopped onion, sliced celery, pepper strips, and minced garlic in oil until soft.
- Add chicken broth, tomato sauce, water, rice, parsley, bay leaf, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding smoked sausage or shrimp as a substitution for some of the ham. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meat with extra vegetables and vegetable broth. To enhance the dish, try adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Poor Man's Jambalaya with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the flavors. It pairs beautifully with Southern-Fried Chicken With Cream Gravy for a hearty meal. For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out and warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poor Man'S Jambalaya contains roughly 1415 calories, with 30g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 109g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (264% of the Daily Value), iron (197% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (158% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 529mg per serving (23% 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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but be aware that it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the broth and water quantities accordingly, and check for doneness before serving.
Is it possible to make this jambalaya in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make it in a slow cooker, combine all ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This method allows flavors to meld beautifully but may require adjusting the liquid based on your slow cooker.
What can I serve with Poor Man's Jambalaya?
This dish pairs well with cornbread or a refreshing coleslaw. You might also consider serving with a side of Lemon Grilled Chicken for a complete meal that showcases a variety of 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).