Quick Jambalaya(For A Crowd)
A flavorful and hearty Cajun-style rice dish packed with vegetables, shrimp, sausage, and spices, perfect for feeding a crowd with vibrant southern flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 ribs celery, chopped ⓘ
- 5 bulbs garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 3 (6 3/4 oz.) cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (6 3/4 oz.) can chopped ham ⓘ
- 2 (4 1/2 oz.) cans shrimp, drained
- 1 lb. smoked sausage, sliced ⓘ
- 2 to 2 1/2 quarts chicken stock ⓘ
- 4 chicken bouillon cubes or 4 tsp. instant chicken bouillon granules
- 2 tsp. red pepper sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. to 1 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning ⓘ
- 4 cups raw rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Put chopped green bell pepper, red bell pepper, onions, celery, and minced garlic in a large heavy Dutch oven.
- Cook vegetables until soft over medium heat.
- Add butter and remaining ingredients in the order listed.
- Stir to blend. Bring to a boil and reduce heat.
- Simmer 25 to 30 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir occasionally. Add additional chicken broth if the liquid is absorbed before the rice is done.
- Use as many shrimp as you like, fresh or canned.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider using andouille sausage instead of regular smoked sausage. You can also substitute the shrimp with crawfish for a different seafood twist. If you prefer a spicier jambalaya, add more Cajun seasoning or diced jalapeños. Ensure to keep an eye on the rice, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This dish works well with a side of Vichyssoise Or Potato Leek Soup for a refreshing contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the jambalaya hot, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Jim'S Easy Brunswick Stew. This dish is perfect for gatherings, as it can easily be doubled or halved based on your crowd size.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and microwave until heated through, or warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze the jambalaya for up to 2 months; just ensure it cools completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Jambalaya(For A Crowd) contains roughly 195 calories, with 7g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 836mg per serving (36% 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. Generally, brown rice takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, so adjust your simmering time and add additional chicken broth as needed.
Is it necessary to use chicken broth and chicken bouillon?
While chicken broth adds depth of flavor, you can use just chicken stock if preferred. The bouillon cubes enhance the broth's flavor, but if you don't have them, simply increase the seasoning to taste. Homemade chicken stock can also be a great substitute for a richer taste.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, omit the meat and seafood, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. Just ensure to season well to compensate for the missing meat 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).