Spicy Jambalaya Recipe: A Soulful Southern Comfort Classic

Cooking a delicious jambalaya recipe transports you straight to the vibrant streets of new orleans.

Spices dance through each bite, creating a symphony of flavors that whisper Louisiana’s culinary magic.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, telling stories of cultural fusion and passionate cooking.

Andouille sausage, tender chicken, and plump shrimp weave together in a one-pot masterpiece that feels like a warm embrace.

Regional traditions shine through every carefully selected ingredient, promising an authentic experience.

Each spoonful carries the soul of creole cooking, inviting you to savor a taste of southern hospitality.

Prepare to embark on a flavor adventure that will leave you craving more with every delectable bite.

Why James Martin Jambalaya Recipe Is So Flavorful

• Savor Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold Cajun spices and a mix of meats, this jambalaya delivers an incredible taste adventure that dances on your taste buds.
• Master One-Pot Wonder: Combines chicken, sausage, and shrimp in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and making cooking a breeze for busy home chefs.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping proteins or adjusting spice levels, perfect for satisfying different family members' preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Hearty dish that works brilliantly for gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners, bringing everyone together with its rich, comforting flavors.

James Martin Jambalaya Recipe Ingredients Guide

• Chicken: Adds hearty flavor and tender meat to the jambalaya.
• Sausage: Provides rich, spicy notes that enhance the overall dish.
• Shrimp: Brings a delicate seafood element and sweetness to the recipe.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery: Classic Cajun trinity that forms the flavor base of the dish.
• Okra: Adds a traditional Southern touch and helps thicken the jambalaya.
• Tomatoes: Contributes acidity and depth to the overall flavor profile.

• Rice: The foundational grain that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a smooth cooking base.
• Chicken Stock: Provides moisture and additional depth to the jambalaya.
• Cajun Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Blend of spices that give the dish its signature zesty kick.

How To Cook James Martin Jambalaya Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle Protein

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sausage, cooking until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the meats and set them aside on a plate, keeping those delicious juices intact.

Step 2: Awaken Vegetables

In the same skillet, sauté the vegetables until they become tender and release their aromatic flavors. Use the remaining oil from the previous step to capture all those delectable remnants.

Step 3: Build the Base

Introduce rice, tomatoes, spices, and stock to the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring the rice gets coated with the flavorful mixture. The combination will start to create a rich, complex flavor profile.

Step 4: Slow Simmer Magic

Cover the skillet and let the ingredients simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This process allows the rice to absorb all the incredible flavors and become perfectly tender.

Step 5: Ocean and Garden Touch

Add shrimp and okra to the skillet. Continue simmering uncovered until the shrimp turn pink and become opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked.

Step 6: Reunite and Season

Return the previously cooked chicken and sausage to the skillet. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding salt, pepper, or additional spices to enhance the overall flavor.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Garnish the jambalaya with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy the vibrant, hearty meal that captures the essence of Louisiana cuisine.

Tips That Help With James Martin Jambalaya Recipe

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose high-quality andouille sausage and fresh chicken thighs for deeper, richer flavor profiles.
• Rice Perfection Technique: Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy, separated grains.
• Spice Balance Trick: Adjust cayenne and paprika levels to control heat intensity without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Seafood Timing Tip: Add shrimp during the final 5 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain tender texture.
• One-Pot Wonder Hack: Use a heavy-bottomed cast iron or Dutch oven for even heat distribution and maximum flavor development.

Fun Takes On James Martin Jambalaya Recipe

• Seafood Solo: Replace chicken and sausage with additional shrimp, crab, or fish for a pure seafood version.
• Vegetarian Venture: Swap meats with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or seitan, using vegetable stock and adding extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
• Low-Carb Makeover: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining traditional jambalaya flavors.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking stock and sausage labels, and use gluten-free spice blends.

Great Pairings For James Martin Jambalaya Recipe

• Elevate Spicy Harmony: Crisp, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the jambalaya's rich, bold flavors and refreshes the palate.
• Complement Creole Heat: Light, hoppy Belgian-style wheat beer neutralizes the dish's spiciness while matching its complex Cajun profile.
• Southern Sipping Companion: Sweet tea with a splash of lemon provides a traditional Louisiana beverage that balances the meal's intense seasonings.
• Cooling Contrast Pairing: Creamy coleslaw as a side dish offers a cool, tangy counterpoint to the jambalaya's warm, spicy complexity.

Storing James Martin Jambalaya Recipe The Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer jambalaya to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Pour jambalaya into skillet. Add splash of chicken stock or water. Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs About James Martin Jambalaya Recipe

• What type of rice works best for jambalaya?

Long-grain white rice is ideal as it absorbs flavors well and doesn’t become mushy during cooking.

• Can I make jambalaya less spicy?

Reduce cayenne pepper and hot sauce, or use mild andouille sausage to lower the heat level while maintaining authentic flavor.

• Is andouille sausage necessary for authentic jambalaya?

While traditional, you can substitute with smoked sausage or chorizo if andouille isn’t available, though the flavor profile will slightly change.

• How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot?

Stir frequently during cooking and use a heavy-bottomed pot to distribute heat evenly, which helps prevent burning and sticking.

Jambalaya Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun jambalaya brings Louisiana’s soulful culinary magic to your kitchen, blending hearty rice, smoky sausage, and tender shrimp in one spectacular pot. Generations of New Orleans flavor await you in this irresistible, zesty one-pan wonder that promises pure comfort and excitement.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts, chopped
• 1 pound (1 lb) andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 pound (1 lb) raw shrimp

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 white onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 1 jalapeno, minced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup okra

Liquids, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 34 cups chicken stock
• 1.5 cups long-grain rice
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt & pepper
• Optional: parsley
• Optional: spring onions
• Optional: hot sauce

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Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet and sear chicken and sausage over medium-high heat until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side; transfer to a plate.
2. In the same skillet, sauté onions, bell peppers, and celery until translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Add uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, thyme, and chicken stock; stir to combine thoroughly.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow mixture to simmer for 20-25 minutes, gently stirring every 5-7 minutes to prevent rice from sticking.
5. Uncover skillet and introduce fresh shrimp and sliced okra; continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
6. Reintegrate previously cooked chicken and sausage into the jambalaya, mixing gently to distribute evenly and reheat proteins.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Cajun spices as desired.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Swap proteins effortlessly by using tofu, turkey, or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Control spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper or using milder hot sauce for sensitive palates.
• Choose long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine for a fluffier texture that absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and ensure everything cooks evenly without stress.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 385 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg