MAKING JAMBALAYA (EASY ONE POT CAJUN DINNER) | SAM THE COOKING GUY

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through making an easy and delicious one-pot jambalaya in about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner or as a leftover treat, this recipe combines flavorful sausage, shrimp, and rice, creating a comforting meal reminiscent of New Orleans cuisine. With just nine ingredients, you'll have a vibrant dish that is sure to impress.

Chapter 1: Cutting Vegetables

To start, you'll need to prepare your vegetables. Here’s what to do:

1. Gather Ingredients:

   • 1 cup bell pepper (any color)
   • 1 cup onion (yellow, white, or red)
   • 1 cup celery
   • 2 ripe tomatoes (for later)

2. Chop the Vegetables:

   • Cut the bell pepper, onion, and celery into bite-sized pieces.
   • Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Chapter 2: Cooking Vegetables

Next, you'll cook the vegetables to build the base flavor:

1. Heat the Pan:

   • Use a large pan with a lid and heat it over medium heat.
   • Add a little oil to prevent sticking.

2. Add Vegetables:

   • Once the pan is hot, add the chopped bell pepper, onion, and celery.
   • Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until softened.

Chapter 3: Addressing and Cutting the Sausages

Now, prepare your sausage for added flavor:

1. Select Sausage:

   • Use about 1 pound of chorizo or andouille sausage.

2. Cut the Sausage:

   • Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces.
   • Have it ready to add to the vegetables.

Chapter 4: Continuing Vegetables and Adding Sausages

Continue cooking the mixture:

1. Add Garlic:

   • Create a space in the pan and add 3 cloves of minced garlic.
   • Sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

2. Incorporate Sausage:

   • Add the chopped sausage to the pan.
   • Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sausage starts to brown and develop a deeper flavor.

Chapter 5: Seasoning

Enhance the flavor with seasoning:

1. Add Creole Seasoning:
   • Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of Creole seasoning or Old Bay over the sausage and vegetables.
   • Mix and toast the spices for about 30 seconds to release their aromas.

Chapter 6: Adding Rice

Introduce the rice to the mixture:

1. Add Rice:
   • Pour in 1 cup of white rice.
   • Stir to coat the rice with flavors and toast it slightly.

Chapter 7: Adding Broth

Next, add the liquid to cook the rice:

1. Pour in Broth:
   • Add 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth to the pan.
   • Mix well and add the chopped tomatoes.

Chapter 8: Cooking the Jambalaya

Now, let the jambalaya cook:

1. Bring to a Boil:
   • Stir everything together and bring to a quick boil.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Chapter 9: Adding Shrimp

Enhance the dish with shrimp:

1. Prepare Shrimp:

   • Use about 1 pound of shrimp (16-20 count) and add them to the pan.
   • Gently push them into the rice mixture.

2. Final Cooking:

   • Cover and let the shrimp cook for an additional 5 minutes until pink and cooked through.

Chapter 10: Garnishing

Finish your jambalaya with a fresh touch:

1. Add Parsley:
   • Chop some fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the dish for color and flavor.

Chapter 11: Plating

Serve your delicious jambalaya:

1. Plate the Dish:
   • Serve warm, ensuring each plate has a good mix of rice, sausage, and shrimp.

Conclusion

You’ve successfully created a flavorful jambalaya in just one pot! This recipe is perfect for gatherings or as a comforting meal at home. Consider adding chicken or crab for variety in the future. Enjoy your culinary creation, and don’t forget to save leftovers for a late-night snack!