Mary KellyBefore diving into the excitement of super easy jambalaya, let’s chat about what pairs perfectly with this dish. Whether you’re hosting a lively gathering or preparing a quick weeknight meal, the right sides can make all the difference.
Here are a few options that balance wonderfully with the flavors of jambalaya:
Cornbread is a classic choice—soft, buttery, and slightly sweet. It soaks up the sauce beautifully and adds a comforting texture. Coleslaw, with its refreshing crunch, complements the spice of jambalaya perfectly. Whether you opt for a creamy or vinaigrette-based version, both are great options!
For an extra touch of crunch, garlic bread is always a winner. It’s perfect for scooping up that flavorful sauce and adding a satisfying bite. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette serves as a refreshing counterpoint, while also providing a quick veggie boost.
And to balance the heat, pickles or fermented vegetables add a tangy bite that enhances the overall experience.
Let’s set the scene. It’s a Friday evening. The week’s chaos has melted away, and the weekend is ripe with possibilities. You’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-simple. Enter super easy jambalaya—the one-pot meal that has your back.
Imagine a dish that brings together juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, fresh veggies, and spices that dance on your palate. Yes, please! And let’s not forget, it’s a cinch to make. Let’s take a stroll through the flavors, ingredients, and steps that will transform your weeknight dinners forever.
What is Super Easy Jambalaya?
Jambalaya hails from Louisiana, boasting a rich mix of cultures from the Spanish, French, and African influences. This comfort food is hearty and fulfilling, typically made with rice as its base. But don’t let the traditional methods scare you off!
This easy version requires no elaborate prep. You’ll gather your ingredients, toss them into a pot, and let the magic happen.
The beauty of jambalaya lies in its versatility. Traditional recipes might feature chicken, shrimp, or sausage, but here, you’ll get a delightful mix of ingredients that speak to everyone’s tastes. Let’s dig a little deeper, shall we?
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
When you take your first bite of super easy jambalaya, you’re met with a symphony of flavors. The foundation starts with the richness of the smoked sausage, giving a warm and smoky touch. Fresh veggies like bell peppers and onions add a sweetness that contrasts nicely.
Garlic gives it a fragrant kick, while the crushed tomatoes create a saucy base that balances the dish perfectly. The real showstopper is the blend of spices—smoked paprika, black pepper, and a hint of chili flakes. And that modest drizzle of hot sauce?
Well, that’s the final spark that ties it all together. It’s comfort food that brings people to the table with a smile. Every bite is a little party in your mouth!
Why You’ll Love This
This dish not only fits the bill for maximum flavor, but it checks all the boxes for practicality. Imagine tossing everything into a pot and letting it simmer, while you kick back with a glass of wine or a good book. Plus, consider these reasons to love jambalaya even more:
- Time Saver: You can have dinner ready in about 30 minutes!
- Flexible Ingredients: Use what you have in the fridge.
- Make Ahead: Perfect for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day.
- Showstopper: Makes you look like a kitchen wizard when friends come over.
- Family Friendly: Who doesn’t love a good rice dish? It’s a sure hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
To whip up this delightful jambalaya, here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 cups of freshly cooked long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or margarine
- 1 (14 ounce) package smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and diced
- 1 green bell pepper, deseeded and diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes with herbs
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce or sriracha
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- Sea salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
First thing’s first. Gather all your ingredients. Dice the onion, bell peppers, and mince your garlic. The shrimp should be cleaned and deveined, ready for a quick cook. Making it a smooth sailing process starts here!
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the tablespoon of butter. Toss in the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. This step infuses the oil with that delicious smoky flavor.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Now, let’s layer on the flavor. Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the same pot. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the veggies soften. Don’t forget to stir occasionally.
Step 4: Garlic and Spices
Once the veggies become fragrant, add in the minced garlic. Let it sauté for about a minute—keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Then, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, black pepper, red chili flakes, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir well until you can smell those flavors mingling.
Step 5: The Tomatoes
Time to bring it all together. Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with any juices from the can. Add the hot sauce or sriracha to your taste. This is where the jambalaya gets saucy! Mix well, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Add the Shrimp
As your mixture bubbles away, it’s time for the shrimp. Toss them into the pot, making sure they’re well-coated with the sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
Step 7: Mix in the Rice
Finally, fold in the cooked rice. Make sure to combine everything evenly, allowing the rice to soak in all the flavors. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat it through. Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest for that fresh zing.
Tips & Tricks
Here are some handy tips to ensure your jambalaya turns out beautifully every time:
- Use Leftover Rice: If you have leftover rice, use that. It cuts down on cook time and adds great texture.
- Customize Proteins: Not a fan of shrimp? Replace it with chicken, or try a mix of both!
- Spice Control: Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less hot sauce.
- Herbs Galore: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a pop of color and freshness on top.
- One-Pot Wonder: Clean-up is a breeze since everything cooks in one pot. Less mess, more fun!
How Can You Store This Super Easy Jambalaya?
Storing jambalaya is easy! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- In the Fridge: It will keep well for up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer: Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
What If Some Ingredients Are Not Available in Your Pantry?
Sometimes life happens. Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Sausage: If you can’t find smoked sausage, try any cooked sausage or diced ham. You could even use vegetarian sausage for a meat-free option.
- Shrimp: If seafood isn’t your thing, cut up chicken breast or use canned chickpeas for a protein boost without the fish.
- Bell Peppers: No bell peppers on hand? Zucchini or carrots can step in nicely. They’ll add their own unique flavor while maintaining the essence of the dish.
Super Easy Jambalaya Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- First thing’s first. Gather all your ingredients. Dice the onion, bell peppers, and mince your garlic. The shrimp should be cleaned and deveined, ready for a quick cook. Making it a smooth sailing process starts here!
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the tablespoon of butter. Toss in the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. This step infuses the oil with that delicious smoky flavor.
- Now, let’s layer on the flavor. Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the same pot. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the veggies soften. Don’t forget to stir occasionally.
- Once the veggies become fragrant, add in the minced garlic. Let it sauté for about a minute—keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Then, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, black pepper, red chili flakes, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir well until you can smell those flavors mingling.
- Time to bring it all together. Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with any juices from the can. Add the hot sauce or sriracha to your taste. This is where the jambalaya gets saucy! Mix well, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- As your mixture bubbles away, it’s time for the shrimp. Toss them into the pot, making sure they’re well-coated with the sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
- Finally, fold in the cooked rice. Make sure to combine everything evenly, allowing the rice to soak in all the flavors. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat it through. Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest for that fresh zing.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use Leftover Rice: If you have leftover rice, use that. It cuts down on cook time and adds great texture.
- Customize Proteins: Not a fan of shrimp? Replace it with chicken, or try a mix of both!
- Spice Control: Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less hot sauce.
- Herbs Galore: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a pop of color and freshness on top.
- One-Pot Wonder: Clean-up is a breeze since everything cooks in one pot. Less mess, more fun!
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Super easy jambalaya is an incredible way to bring the flavors of Louisiana right into your home without spending hours in the kitchen. From its smoky sausages to the zesty shrimp and fresh veggies, this dish is a celebration of flavor and comfort.
I hope you try this recipe, savor every bite, and make it a staple of your dinner rotation. Just remember, the beauty of cooking lies in the ability to experiment. Don’t be afraid to tweak the ingredients, make it your own, and enjoy every moment spent at the table.
Happy cooking and even happier eating!
