Simple Jambalaya
A hearty Southern dish featuring smoked sausage, tomatoes, and rice, packed with bold flavors and perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the smoked sausage until almost done.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
- Add chopped whole tomatoes and tomato paste; cook until browned.
- Fill the can of tomato paste with water and add to the mixture.
- Simmer the sauce until cooked through.
- Cook 2 cups of rice in a rice cooker.
- Add the cooked rice to the sauce and stir to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using a mix of smoked sausage and spicy hotdogs. You can also substitute the rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist. Adjust the garlic amount based on your preference; fresh garlic can elevate the dish, but garlic powder works in a pinch. If you like a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this jambalaya with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for garnish. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside a side of Easy Cabbage Dinner, or offer crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simple Jambalaya contains roughly 701 calories, with 22g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (78% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), and potassium (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1422mg per serving (62% 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 this jambalaya vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this jambalaya to be vegetarian. Substitute the smoked sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. Add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the rice.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spiciness of your jambalaya, add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper when cooking the onions. You can also use spicy sausage instead of regular smoked sausage. Additionally, a few dashes of hot sauce can elevate the heat level.
What type of rice is best for jambalaya?
Long-grain rice is traditionally used for jambalaya as it cooks up fluffy and separates easily. However, you can also use basmati or jasmine rice for a fragrant twist. Be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the rice variety you choose.
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).