Cheap Jambalaya Recipe
Create delicious Cajun magic on a budget with our cheap jambalaya recipe! Easy, affordable, and bursting with flavor. A must-try dish!
- Publisher: Crisp Recipe
- Cuisine: Cajun, Creole
- Category: Main dish
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 350 calories
Cheap Jambalaya
This cheap jambalaya is a delicious and cost-effective twist on the classic Creole dish. It's a hearty, one-pot meal that combines flavors from the American South with a mix of meats, vegetables, and spices.
Prepared with readily available and affordable ingredients, this jambalaya recipe includes smoked sausage, chicken, rice, and a medley of vegetables such as onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. The key to its bold flavor is the addition of Cajun seasoning, which infuses the dish with a delightful blend of spices.
The cooking process is simple and efficient, making it ideal for those looking for a quick, satisfying meal on a budget. With a total preparation and cooking time of around 50 minutes, this jambalaya is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting dish that won't strain your wallet.
Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, making it a wholesome and filling option. Whether you're new to Cajun cuisine or simply seeking an affordable and flavorful meal, this budget-friendly jambalaya delivers a taste of the South without breaking the bank. It's a crowd-pleaser that proves you don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy the rich flavors of Louisiana.
Recipe
Discover wallet-friendly magic in our Budget-Friendly Jambalaya Recipe! Savor Creole flavors on a dime with this delectable dish. 🍛🤑
Ingredients
- 1 cup of rice
- 1/2 pound of smoked sausage (you can use kielbasa or any affordable sausage)
- 1/2 pound of chicken thighs or breast (boneless and skinless)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Method Instructions
- Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. Set it aside when it's done.
- In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Slice the smoked sausage into rounds and add it to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes until the sausage begins to brown.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the Cajun seasoning. Mix well.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld together.
- Taste the jambalaya and add salt and pepper as needed.
- To serve, spoon the jambalaya over the cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
This budget-friendly jambalaya should be delicious and filling without breaking the bank. Enjoy your homemade meal!
Recipe Video
This is a video about Cheap Jambalaya.
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Recipe Tags: Cheap Jambalaya, Cheap Jambalaya Recipe, Recipe
Servings
Serving this budget-friendly jambalaya is a delightful part of enjoying this flavorful dish. Here's how to serve it:
- Prepare the Rice: Start by fluffing the cooked rice with a fork. You can serve the jambalaya over the rice or alongside it, depending on your preference.
- Serve Generous Portions: Using a ladle or a large spoon, portion out generous servings of the jambalaya onto plates. Make sure each serving has a good mix of meats, vegetables, and sauce.
- Garnish: For added freshness and a burst of color, consider garnishing each plate with chopped green onions. This adds a lovely contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the dish.
- Side Dishes (Optional): While jambalaya is a complete meal on its own, you can serve it with additional sides if you like. A simple green salad, cornbread, or a slice of crusty French bread are popular choices that complement the dish nicely.
- Enjoy: Finally, invite your family or guests to dig in! The combination of spicy sausage, tender chicken, and flavorful rice will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Be mindful, jambalaya is a versatile dish, so feel free to customize it to your liking. Some people like it spicier and may add hot sauce, while others prefer a milder version. Serving it family-style in a large dish is also a great option for a casual gathering. Enjoy your homemade jambalaya!
Tips
- Use Affordable Meats: To keep costs down, you can choose budget-friendly meats like boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. And for the smoked sausage, look for store-brand or lower-priced options.
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: Chop all your vegetables and meat before you start cooking. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
- Cajun Seasoning: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your taste preferences. If you prefer it milder, use less seasoning; if you like it spicier, add a bit more.
- Rice Choice: While the recipe calls for white rice, you can use brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
- Don't Overcook: Be cautious not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Once it's no longer pink and juices run clear, it's done.
- Simmering Time: The longer you simmer, the more the flavors meld together. If you have a bit more time, let it simmer for an extra 5-10 minutes for even richer flavors.
- Leftovers: Jambalaya often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat for a quick meal.
- Customize: Feel free to add other vegetables like okra, corn, or peas to the jambalaya if you have them on hand or want to incorporate more veggies.
- Serve with a Twist: Consider serving your jambalaya in creative ways, like stuffing it into bell peppers or serving it in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a unique presentation.
- Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with the recipe to suit your taste. Jambalaya is a flexible dish, and you can make it your own by adjusting the ingredients and seasonings.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Meat Substitutes:
- Chicken → Turkey, Pork, or Shrimp
- Smoked Sausage → Andouille Sausage or Chorizo
- Rice Alternatives:
- White Rice → Brown Rice or Quinoa
- White Rice → Cauliflower Rice (Low-carb option)
- Vegetable Variations:
- Trinity Vegetables (Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery) → Carrots, Zucchini, or Mushrooms
- Okra (Traditional addition) → Use if available
- Seasoning Adjustments:
- Cajun Seasoning → Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Thyme
- Adjust Spice Level by Adding More/Less Cayenne Pepper
- Broth or Stock:
- Chicken Broth → Vegetable Broth or Water (for vegetarian version)
- Seafood Jambalaya → Fish or Shrimp Stock
- Tomato Variations:
- Canned Diced Tomatoes → Fresh Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce
- Cooking Oil:
- Vegetable Oil → Olive Oil or Any Cooking Oil
- Garnish Options:
- Green Onions → Fresh Parsley or Cilantro
Remarks
As you savor every bite of this budget-friendly jambalaya, remember that great flavor doesn't have to come at a high cost. Happy cooking! 🍛🤑
