Trail Jambalaya
A hearty trail-inspired dish featuring smoky sausage, vibrant spices, and flavorful tomato rice, perfect for outdoor adventures or comforting meals at home.
Ingredients
- 1 c. raw long grain rice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried onion flakes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried green pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes
- 2 tsp. beef flavored bouillon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dry shredded green onion
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dry thyme ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. red cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 lb. smoked sausage ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine rice, dried onion flakes, dried green pepper flakes, dried parsley flakes, beef flavored bouillon, dry shredded green onion, black pepper, garlic powder, dry thyme, and red cayenne pepper with 2 cups water and tomato sauce in a Dutch oven.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in sliced smoked sausage and cook until the mixture is thoroughly heated.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing some fresh vegetables like bell peppers or celery before adding them to the pot. You can also substitute the smoked sausage with turkey sausage or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or add some chopped jalapeños. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to use your favorite proteins or vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Trail Jambalaya hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color. It pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavors. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Zonti or a refreshing coleslaw for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Trail Jambalaya contains roughly 269 calories, with 11g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 19g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time. You'll need to increase the liquid and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of brown rice you choose.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the smoked sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. Increase the variety of vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of water for enhanced flavor. This will keep the dish hearty and satisfying.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the jambalaya ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat it gently before serving.
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).