Jambalaya

"Rice in Hand"

Jambalaya is a Cajun dish, very similar to Paella, showing it's Spanish heritage. But the one thing that makes this different is that it has a soft and crunchy side to it.

This is a one-pot meal that doesn't take too long at all. It can be as spicy or as cool as you like.

Like all New Orleans dishes, seafood is a big here, but if you don't like it, well don't use it. The original recipe uses an Italian style sausage called Andoule, but seeing you can't get that here, just use a nice spicy sausage instead. .

1: Ingredients

  • The “trinity” diced small
  • 1 and a half cups of long-grain rice
  • 1 carrot diced
  • spicy sausage sliced (pepperoni is nice to use)
  • fresh chicken, diced
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 2 or 3 bay leaves
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 to 1 ½ litre of stock
    ( You can use a stock powder, cubes or liquid, but whichever it is, use one that will reflect the flavours of the ingredients)
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    2: First up


    Gather the vegetable ingredients and dice, placing into a bowl.

    Next dice the spicy sausage and then chicken

    The order that I've prepared these ingredients is an example to keep in mind for all preparation. This order prevents the cross-contamination of food, which is one of the major reasons for food poisoning.

    3: Method


    In a large pot over a medium heat sauté the sausage, chicken and half of the “trinity” until all the chicken is sealed (a little oil may be needed)

    Stir now and again to prevent the mix burning

    Add the spices, salt and pepper

    Let the flavours infuse for a few minutes.

    Now add the rice, then stock so ingredients are well covered and stir once.

    Put lid on the pot and reduce heat to low.

    Cook until the liquid is absorbed (this will take about 20/25 minutes)

    After 15 minutes, turn the heat off and add the other half of the trinity and stir through.

    Replace the lid. The rice will continue to cook with the heat that is trapped inside.

    4: Be lazy!


    While the Gumbo and Jambalaya are cooking take a rest, and a sip on the bottle of medium sweet sherry. After you've rested you can make the Whiskey Sauce .

    5: To serve


    This is a great dish to be served in the pot at the table and let everyone spoon out their own. You've done enough already, right.

    This meal has a high carbohydrate loading, so is ideal for those who need lots of energy.