Sausage Jambalaya
A hearty one-pot Louisiana classic, packed with spicy andouille sausage, the holy trinity of vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice. This flavorful Cajun comfort food comes together in under an hour for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Brown the Sausage
- b.Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until well-browned and slightly crisped at the edges, about 5-7 minutes.
- d.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the flavorful rendered fat in the pot.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Holy Trinity
- b.Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot.
- c.Sauté for 7-8 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent. Use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits (the 'fond') from the bottom of the pot as the vegetables release their moisture.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Bloom Aromatics and Spices
- b.Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- c.Add the Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices and coat the vegetables.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Deglaze and Combine
- b.Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot again to release any remaining flavorful bits.
- c.Return the cooked sausage to the pot along with the bay leaf. Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook the Rice
- b.Once boiling, stir in the rice. Immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer.
- c.Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. It is crucial not to lift the lid during this time to ensure the rice steams properly.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and firm up.
- c.Remove and discard the bay leaf. Gently fluff the jambalaya with a fork to separate the grains.
- d.Serve hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use real andouille sausage. If you can't find it, a good quality smoked kielbasa or another spicy smoked sausage is a suitable substitute.
- 2The key to a deep, rich flavor is the 'fond'—the browned bits left in the pot after cooking the sausage and vegetables. Make sure to scrape these up when you add liquids.
- 3Resist the temptation to lift the lid while the rice is simmering. This traps the steam inside, which is essential for cooking the rice perfectly.
- 4Do not rinse the rice before adding it to the pot. The surface starch helps to thicken the jambalaya to its classic consistency.
- 5For a 'surf and turf' version, add 1/2 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp during the last 5-7 minutes of the rice cooking time. Just place them on top of the rice, replace the lid, and let them steam.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace andouille sausage with diced chicken thighs (brown them after the sausage) or add shrimp in the last 5-7 minutes of cooking for a classic combination.
Creole StyleCreole Style
This recipe is a brown, Cajun-style jambalaya. For a red, Creole-style version, increase the diced tomatoes to a 28-ounce can.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add plant-based sausage and bulk up the dish with extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Sustained Energy
The rice is a great source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady release of energy to fuel your body and mind.
Rich in Vegetables
The 'holy trinity' of onion, bell pepper, and celery, along with garlic and tomatoes, offers essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Good Source of Protein
Andouille sausage provides a significant amount of protein, which is crucial for muscle repair, immune function, and feeling full and satisfied.
Frequently asked questions
Cajun jambalaya, like this recipe, is known as 'brown jambalaya' and doesn't typically include tomatoes. It gets its color from browning the meat. Creole jambalaya is 'red jambalaya' and always includes tomatoes, giving it a distinct red hue.