Jambalaya’s Cajun spice will warm your winter soul
This month has been a little scattered. I seem to have veered away from my clean eating recipes because I want to offer ones you’re dying to try. I know the colder months have me craving different foods, so I want you to cook along with me and try some of the recipes. A warm bowl of jambalaya is all you need to warm your soul.
Cajun food was never on my radar pre-Randy. It’s not a cuisine our Lebanese household ate, and there really aren’t very many restaurants to get Cajun cuisine around here. Randy used to make his sons, Zach and Josh, Cajun foods on Sundays when they were growing up. It’s a family favorite that has become one of mine, too – not just because Randy makes it and gives me the night off but because of the warm, deep, complex flavors of dishes like Jambalaya. Plus for some reason, Cajun food just feels festive. I’ve never been to New Orleans, but I’ve heard stories from many people who have about the wild times of drinking, live music and incredible cuisine.
Over the years, Randy and I have taught a Fat Tuesday cooking class on Fat Tuesday. Each year, that date moves according to the Christian calendar – it’s always the day before Ash Wednesday. It’s usually in mid-March, however this year it falls on Feb. 13. We serve hurricane cocktails and this jambalaya, among many other Cajun delights, and always end with a giant, delicious King’s Cake. Whoever gets the piece with the plastic baby gets free cooking class certificate. I’ve been told it’s a favorite class people look forward to each year. We haven’t decided whether we’re doing it this year, but I’ll keep you posted.
I really like Douglas Avenue Chop Shop’s andouille sausage. The flavor and consistency are great. Make a trip down to pick some up for this recipe. This sausage will take your Jambalaya to the next level.
If Cajun is your jam, grab a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven and whip up a batch of this. I have a feeling jambalaya might just earn a spot in your winter meal rotation.
Cajun Jambalaya
¾ pound chicken, cut to small pieces
¾ pound andouille sausage, cut into ½ inch pieces
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons chopped garlic
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped bell peppers
½ cup chopped celery
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon hot sauce
4 cups chicken stock
1 ½ cups rice
¾ pound shrimp (40-50 count is a good size)
Mix chicken and sausage in a bowl with the Cajun seasoning, making certain that the spice is mixed evenly.
In a large skillet, heat the oil and cook the chicken and sausage until lightly browned. Add garlic to the skillet to soften. Add the Cajun holy trinity – onion, bell pepper and celery – and cook until soft.
Add bay leaves, Worcestershire, hot sauce and chicken stock and then bring to a boil. Add rice and reduce heat, cooking covered about 20 minutes, or until rice is tender. Add the shrimp into the pot the last 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt & pepper.
This story was originally published January 22, 2018 at 2:59 PM with the headline "Jambalaya’s Cajun spice will warm your winter soul."