Spanish FoodDurban Indian

Jambalaya

Make authentic Jambalaya with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

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By DenisiyaPublished on May 31, 2017
Jambalaya
⏱️
Prep Time15 mins
🍳
Cook Time45 mins
⌛
Total Time60 mins
🍽️
ServingsMakes 1 Jar (500ml)
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This Spanish Recipe Serves 4

Jambalaya is a dish of Louisiana source of Spanish & French (particularly Provençal) impact. It comprises of meat & vegetables blended with rice. Customarily, the meat dependably incorporates sausages of some sort, regularly a smoked sausage, for example, andouille, alongside some other meat or fish, as often as possible pork, chicken, crayfish, or shrimp. The vegetables are normally a soffritto-like blend known as the “sacred trinity” in Creole & Cajun cooking, comprising of onion, celery, & green bell pepper, however different vegetables, for example, carrots, tomatoes, chilies, & garlic are additionally utilized. Subsequent to searing & sautéing the meat & vegetables, rice, seasonings, & stock are gathered and the whole dish is cooked into a single unit until the rice is done.

Jambalaya has its origins in a few rice-based dishes all around bore witness to in the Mediterranean cooking styles of Spain & France, particularly in the Spanish dish paella (local to Valencia) & the French dish known as jambalaia.

Pronunciation: Jum-bul-aya

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Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Makes 1 Jar (500ml)
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Step-by-Step Instructions

36 Steps
  1. Step 1

    Add rice to a bowl.

    Step 1 visual guide
  2. Step 2

    Rinse rice until water runs clear.

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    Add the rice to a pot. Fill the pot with water & bring the rice to a boil on high heat.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

    To achieve fluffy, non sticky rice, I personally prefer to allow the starch to build up whilst the rice is boiling (the white foam that forms in the pot), as soon as that forms, toss out that water, give it a quick rinse & fill the pot with fresh water once again. I do this about 5 times but you may cook the rice as you would prefer.

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

    When the rice is almost cooked, add in salt to taste & ½ teaspoon turmeric powder.

    Step 5 visual guide
  6. Step 6

    Stir & allow the rice to boil until soft.

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

    When rice is soft & fully cooked, strain in a colander & set aside.

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

    Next, rinse & place sausages into a pan.

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

    Pour in a little water.

    Step 9 visual guide
  10. Step 10

    Allow the sausages to steam on the stove-top on medium heat.

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    After 10 minutes of steaming, turn the sausages over & allow it to steam until the water evaporates.

    Step 11 visual guide
  12. Step 12

    Once the water has evaporated in the pan, keep an eye on the sausages & leave it on the pan to fry. Do not add any oil as the sausages will fry in it’s own fat & oils.

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

    Fry until the sausages are golden & cooked throughout. Thereafter, remove them from the pan.

    Step 13 visual guide
  14. Step 14

    Slice up the sausages & set aside until ready to use.

    Step 14 visual guide
  15. Step 15

    Peel & chop the onions.

    Step 15 visual guide
  16. Step 16

    Rinse & blend tomatoes.

    Step 16 visual guide
  17. Step 17

    Rinse & chop bell peppers.

    Step 17 visual guide
  18. Step 18

    Heat the oil in a large pot. Add in the onions & thyme.

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    Mix well & allow to sauté until onions are translucent.

    Step 19 visual guide
  20. Step 20

    Next add in ½ turmeric powder, chili powder, coriander (dhania) powder, cumin (jeera) powder & ginger & garlic paste.

    Step 20 visual guide
  21. Step 21

    Mix well & simmer for 30 seconds.

    Step 21 visual guide
  22. Step 22

    Thereafter, add in the blended tomatoes & chilies of your choice – I’ve used birds eye chili.

    Step 22 visual guide
  23. Step 23

    Mix well.

    Step 23 visual guide
  24. Step 24

    Cover & allow the tomatoes to cook for 10 minutes.

    Step 24 visual guide
  25. Step 25

    Once the tomatoes have cooked, pour in the chicken stock & add salt to taste.

    Step 25 visual guide
  26. Step 26

    Mix well & allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated.

    Step 26 visual guide
  27. Step 27

    Add in the bell peppers.

    Step 27 visual guide
  28. Step 28

    Add in the sliced sausages.

    Step 28 visual guide
  29. Step 29

    Mix well & allow to cook for 5 minutes so that the flavours infuse together.

    Step 29 visual guide
  30. Step 30

    Next, add in the hot sauce (optional) & the cooked rice.

    Step 30 visual guide
  31. Step 31

    Mix until everything is well incorporated.

    Step 31 visual guide
  32. Step 32

    If there is still excess liquid, continue to stir until the liquid thickens.

    Step 32 visual guide
  33. Step 33

    Once the liquid has thickened, turn off the heat.

    Step 33 visual guide
  34. Step 34

    Garnish with fresh coriander (dhania).

    Step 34 visual guide
  35. Step 35

    This Jambalaya is ready to be served.

    Step 35 visual guide
  36. Step 36

    This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

    Step 36 visual guide
Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Jambalaya.

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Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Jambalaya

Can I adjust the spice and chilli levels in Jambalaya?

Absolutely! You can easily tailor the heat by increasing or reducing the chili powder and fresh chilies to suit your family’s palate without compromising the authentic flavor profile.

Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?

Yes, you can freeze Jambalaya in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.

How do I reheat leftovers for best flavor?

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water, or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

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