Jambalaya: A Flavorful Creole Classic Dish

The Settlers' Legacy

The origins of Jambalaya can be traced back to the 18th century in Louisiana, where it was created by the Spanish and French settlers. At the time, these settlers had limited resources and had to make do with what they had. They were faced with the challenge of feeding large groups of people with limited ingredients and limited cooking equipment.

The solution was to create a one-pot dish that would be easy to prepare and could feed many people. They used ingredients that were readily available, such as rice, vegetables, and meat. The dish was called “Jambalaya” which is a Creole word meaning “mixture.”

As time passed, Jambalaya became a staple dish in Louisiana. It was a favorite among the working class and was often served at large events and gatherings. The dish was passed down through generations, and each family had their own unique recipe.

Over the years, Jambalaya has evolved and become a popular dish in the United States. Today, it is a classic Creole dish, known for its hearty, flavorful, and satisfying taste. It can be made with different meats, such as chicken, sausage, or shrimp, and is often served with a side of hot sauce to give it that extra kick of flavor.

In conclusion, Jambalaya recipe is a reflection of Louisiana’s rich cultural history and a symbol of the ingenuity of its early settlers. It’s a simple, hearty, and delicious dish that continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world.

Quick and Easy Jambalaya Recipe

8 Servings

40 Minutes

Creole Cuisine

Ingredients

2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
459 g (1 pound) andouille sausage, sliced
450 g (1 pound) chicken breast, cut into small chunks
1 large onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 stalks of celery, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon (5 ml) cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper
1/2 cup (118 ml) chopped green onions
2 cups (1.9 l) chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes (414 ml or 14.5 ounces)
1 cup (237 ml) long-grain rice

How to make Jambalaya

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the sausage and chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned.
Add the onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the cayenne pepper, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and rice to the pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
Stir in the chopped green onions and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve hot with a side of hot sauce, if desired.

Where to eat authentic Jambalaya

Outside Louisiana, USA

It’s worth mentioning that Jambalaya is not a traditional dish in other countries as it’s a creole dish that originated in Louisiana, so it might be hard to find authentic Jambalaya outside the USA. Still, the below-mentioned restaurants have a good reputation for serving a delicious jambalaya close to the traditional recipe.

Le P’tit Creux: Located in Paris, France, Le P’tit Creux serves up authentic Creole and Cajun cuisine, including jambalaya made with andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp. They also have a great selection of local wines to pair with your meal. You can find more information here: https://www.leptitcreux.com/
Gumbo: This London-based restaurant serves up traditional Cajun and Creole dishes, including jambalaya made with andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp. They also have a great selection of local beers and wines. For more info, visit https://www.gumbolondon.com/
The Big Easy: This Hong Kong-based restaurant serves up traditional Cajun and Creole dishes, including jambalaya made with andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp. They also have a great selection of local beers and wines. For more info, visit https://www.bigeasy.hk/
The Jambalaya Company: Located in London, this casual spot is known for its traditional Cajun and Creole dishes, including jambalaya made with andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp. They also have a great selection of local beers and wines. For more info, visit https://www.thejambalayacompany.co.uk/
The Creole: This Sydney-based restaurant serves up traditional Creole and Cajun dishes, including jambalaya made with andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp. They also have a great selection of local beers and wines. For more info, visit https://www.thecreole.com.au/
The Jambalaya Kitchen: This Toronto-based restaurant serves up traditional Creole and Cajun dishes, including jambalaya made with andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp. They also have a great selection of local beers and wines. For more info, visit https://www.jambalayakitchen.com/

These are just a few of the many places to find authentic Jambalaya outside of the US, Jambalaya is becoming increasingly popular around the world and more restaurants are incorporating it into their menus. It’s always a good idea to check online reviews and ask locals for recommendations before visiting a restaurant.

In the USA

K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen: Located in New Orleans, Louisiana, K-Paul’s is known for its authentic Creole and Cajun cuisine. They serve traditional jambalaya made with andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp. You can find more information here: https://www.kpauls.com/
Purloo: This New Orleans-based restaurant is located in the historic Southern Food and Beverage Museum and offers a modern take on traditional Creole and Cajun dishes. Their jambalaya is made with smoked sausage, chicken, and shrimp and is served with a side of dirty rice. More info here: https://www.purloonola.com/
Cochon: This New Orleans-based restaurant serves up traditional Cajun and Creole dishes, including jambalaya made with Andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp. They also have a great selection of local beers and wines. For more info, visit https://cochonrestaurant.com/
The Joint: Located in New Orleans, this casual spot is known for its smoked meats and traditional Cajun and Creole dishes, including jambalaya made with andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp. Their menu also has other local specialties like gumbo and crawfish étouffée. More info here: https://www.alwayssmokin.com/
Prejean’s Restaurant: Based in Lafayette, Louisiana, Prejean’s Restaurant is a must-visit spot for authentic Cajun cuisine. Their menu features traditional dishes like jambalaya made with andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp. You can find more information here: https://www.prejeans.com/
The Gumbo Shop: This New Orleans-based restaurant is known for its traditional Creole and Cajun dishes, including jambalaya made with andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp. They also have a wide variety of gumbo options and other local specialties. More info here: https://www.gumboshop.com/

These are just a few of the many places to find authentic Jambalaya in Louisiana, the origin of Jambalaya dish. Some other good places to check out would be any local Cajun or Creole restaurants in the area.