Description

Ever wondered how a single pot can deliver a burst of bold, Southern flavors that make your taste buds dance? Imagine scooping up a steaming bowl of Cindy’s Jambalaya, packed with smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and perfectly spiced rice.

Ingredients

Each ingredient in Cindy’s Jambalaya brings bold flavor or texture to this vibrant dish. Don’t worry if you’re missing something—substitutions are simple!

Olive Oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing and adding richness. Substitution: Vegetable oil or butter.
Smoked Sausage (½ lb, such as Conecuh, ¼-inch slices): Adds smoky, savory depth. Substitution: Andouille, kielbasa, or plant-based sausage for vegetarian.
Large Onion (1, chopped): Brings sweetness and aroma. Substitution: 1 tsp onion powder or ½ cup shallots.
Green Bell Pepper (1 cup, chopped): Adds crunch and mild flavor. Substitution: Red or yellow bell pepper.
Celery (1 cup, chopped): Provides texture and freshness. Substitution: Fennel or extra bell pepper.
Salt (to taste): Enhances all flavors. Substitution: Reduce for lower sodium or use a salt-free seasoning blend.
Cajun Seasoning (½ tsp, or to taste): The heart of the dish’s spicy, smoky vibe. Substitution: Creole seasoning or a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne.
Uncooked White Rice (1 cup): Soaks up the flavors and makes it hearty. Substitution: Brown rice (adjust cooking time) or quinoa.
Diced Tomatoes with Juice (14.5 oz can): Adds tangy, juicy flavor. Substitution: Fresh chopped tomatoes or crushed tomatoes.
Minced Garlic (1 tbsp): Brings bold, savory depth. Substitution: ½ tsp garlic powder.
Chicken Broth (2 cups): The flavorful cooking liquid. Substitution: Vegetable broth or water with a bouillon cube.
Bay Leaves (3): Infuse a subtle, earthy flavor. Substitution: Omit if unavailable, but they add depth.
Dried Thyme Leaves (¼ tsp): Adds a warm, herby note. Substitution: Fresh thyme (¾ tsp) or oregano.
Peeled, Deveined Medium Shrimp (1 lb, 30-40 per pound): Adds juicy, seafood goodness. Substitution: Chicken, crawfish, or tofu for vegetarian.

Why These Ingredients Matter:

Shrimp and sausage provide protein, making this a filling meal.
Bell peppers, celery, and tomatoes add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Cajun seasoning delivers authentic Southern flavor with minimal effort.
Rice makes it a one-pot dish that’s both hearty and budget-friendly.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients (5 minutes):
- Slice ½ lb smoked sausage into ¼-inch pieces.
- Chop 1 onion, 1 cup bell pepper, and 1 cup celery.
- Mince 1 tbsp garlic and measure out spices, rice, and other ingredients. Tip: Prep everything beforehand to make cooking quick and stress-free.
Cook the Sausage (2 minutes):
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat.
- Add sausage slices and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes until lightly browned. Tip: Don’t overcook the sausage—it’ll cook more with the veggies.
Sauté the Veggies (6-8 minutes):
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot.
- Season with salt and ½ tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste).
- Cook, stirring, for 6-8 minutes until veggies are soft. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Add Rice and Liquids (5 minutes):
- Stir in 1 cup uncooked white rice, coating it with the veggie-sausage mixture.
- Add 14.5 oz diced tomatoes with juice, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 2 cups chicken broth, 3 bay leaves, and ¼ tsp dried thyme.
- Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Tip: Scrape the bottom of the pot to release flavorful bits.
Simmer the Jambalaya (20 minutes):
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Tip: Check halfway to ensure the rice isn’t sticking; add a splash of broth if needed.
Cook the Shrimp (10 minutes):
- Stir in 1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp.
- Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Tip: Don’t overcook the shrimp—they should be just pink to stay tender.
Rest and Serve (5 minutes):
- Remove the pot from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes.
- Discard bay leaves before serving. Tip: The resting step helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.