Trebie'S Jambalaya
A flavorful Louisiana-style jambalaya with sausage, shrimp, and aromatic vegetables, perfect for hearty meals and gatherings, blending spicy, savory, and smoky flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage link, sliced ⓘ
- 3 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups celery, chopped ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste ⓘ
- 16 oz can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 cup rice ⓘ
- 2 lb shrimp ⓘ
- 1 to 2 bay leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onions, green pepper, celery, garlic, and sliced sausage in a large pan. Pour off any drippings.
- Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, salt, cayenne pepper, water, and rice. Stir well.
- Cook for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the mixture is cooking, clean and devein the shrimp.
- Add the shrimp during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust with more water and seasoning if needed before serving.
- Optional: Use chicken instead of, or with, shrimp.
- Serve hot, seasoned with creole seasoning to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding smoked sausage or andouille sausage instead of regular sausage. If you prefer a bit more heat, increase the cayenne pepper to taste. You can also substitute the shrimp with chicken or add both for a meatier dish. Fresh herbs like parsley or green onions can enhance the dish's freshness before serving, while seasoned rice can be used instead of plain rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Trebie's Jambalaya hot with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Corn Bread Dressing With Oysters for a festive touch. You can also offer hot sauce or creole seasoning on the side for those who enjoy extra spice. A refreshing drink like iced tea complements the dish perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and heat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it's fully cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Trebie'S Jambalaya contains roughly 753 calories, with 31g protein, 131g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (216% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (163% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 960mg per serving (42% 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 Trebie's Jambalaya ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the jambalaya a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the point of adding shrimp, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat and add shrimp during the last 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.
What type of rice is best for jambalaya?
Long-grain white rice is the best choice for jambalaya as it cooks evenly and remains fluffy. Avoid using sticky rice varieties, which can make the dish gummy. If you prefer a unique twist, consider using brown rice, but adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly, as it requires more time to cook.
Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp can be used, but make sure to thaw them properly before adding them to the jambalaya. Simply place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water until thawed. This makes preparation easier and ensures even cooking without excess moisture.
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).