A traditional recipe for Jambalaya, an iconic Cajun and Creole dish originally from Louisiana. It's a flavorful blend of rice, vegetables, meat, and seafood, all seasoned with spices. Ingredients (serves 6 to 8):
300g chicken (preferably thighs or breasts, cut into pieces)
200g Morteau sausage or andouille (smoked sausage, cut into rounds)
200g peeled shrimp
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 chopped onion
2 crushed garlic cloves
400g chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
300g long grain rice
750ml chicken (or vegetable) stock
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
1 teaspoon Espelette pepper or smoked paprika (optional, depending on your taste) (to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Brown the meat: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken and sliced sausage. Brown them on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the vegetables: Add the onion, bell peppers (red and green), and crushed garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Add the spices and tomatoes: Sprinkle with paprika, thyme, cumin (if using), and Espelette pepper or smoked paprika. Mix well. Add the chopped tomatoes and bay leaf, then simmer for 5 minutes.
Cook the rice: Add the rice to the Dutch oven and mix well to coat it with the sauce. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. If necessary, add a little more broth during cooking to prevent the rice from becoming too dry.
Add the shrimp: 5 minutes before the end of cooking time, add the peeled shrimp and stir gently. Cover again and cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Finish and serve: Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Remove the bay leaf, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Tips:
For more flavor, you can add a little saffron or turmeric to color and flavor the dish.
If you prefer something spicy, you can add a little fresh chili pepper or Tabasco.
Jambalaya can be prepared ahead of time and reheated; it's often even better the next day!
Jambalaya is a complete and flavorful dish, perfect for a dinner with friends or family. You can also adapt it to suit your favorite meats and seafood. Enjoy!
