Jambalaya is a spicy, savory dish from Louisiana that mixes together rice, chicken, sausage, and shrimp in one flavorful pot.
Craving a bit of southern comfort but cooking for one? Look no further; this jambalaya recipe is your ticket to flavor town with a single-serving twist! Grab your apron, and let’s dive into a pot of spiced-up, saucy goodness just for you—promise we won’t leave out any secrets.
Jambalaya For One
Ah, Jambalaya! The rollicking, jazz-infused soul of New Orleans on your plate. This one-dish wonder combines spicy sausage, juicy shrimp, and a mélange of veggies topped with aromatic spices. All cooked into a harmonious, flavor-packed fiesta that’s perfect for solo indulgence.
- Cooking Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: Creole
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 3 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 stalk celery, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup long-grain rice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
- Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook until slightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Throw in the shrimp, cook 1-2 minutes, then remove both shrimp and sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until veggies are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds. If it starts talking back, you’re doing it right!
- Introduce the rice to the party, making sure it’s quickly coated in all that goodness.
- Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle in the paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Sneak in a dance break while waiting!
- Return the sausage and shrimp to the skillet. Cook another 2-3 minutes until shrimp is opaque and heated through.
- Garnish with sliced green onion and chopped parsley. Voilà, your solo New Orleans feast awaits!
Suggestions
- Alternative Ingredients: Try chicken instead of shrimp, or mix in some crab meat if you’re feeling fancy.
- Garnishing Options: Add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Cooking Tips: Keep an eye on the rice. If it’s sticking, you might need a splash more broth. Don’t worry, it’s just thirsty.
