Jambalaya originated in the Caribbean Islands. The Spanish culture mixed with the native foods and created what we know as Jambalaya. Jambalaya is traditionally made in three parts, with meats and vegetables, and is completed by adding stock and rice. It is also a close cousin to the saffron colored paella found in Spanish culture. My twist on this classic recipe is to add tomatoes and Orzo Pasta to chicken stock. This makes it more like a hearty Jambalaya soup. Enjoy!
Servings: 4 -
6 depending on the portion sizes.
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Ingredients
From the pantry
Making my spice blend
- 2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 2 tsp MRS Dash Garlic & Herb seasoning
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp jerk seasoning
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
Directions
Combine
all ingredients together and blend well.
You may also use a coffee grinder to blend your spices.
I
love making my own spice blend, make sure your spice rack is up to date with
fresh spices and make your own blend.
Store in an airtight container and use for your favorite dishes.
Jambalaya Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups of Orzo Pasta
- 1 pound medium white shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 pound boneless/skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1" pieces
- 1 cup red, yellow, green and orange bell peppers, diced
- 1 package Johnsonville Andouille smoked sausage, cut into 1/2" slices
- 5 garlic cloves, diced
- 1 cup white onions, diced
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 4 tbsp special spice blend, (divided - 2 tbsp each for chicken and shrimp)
- Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil for sautéing
Step 1
Place
chicken in a clean bowl and add spice seasoning over chicken and gently toss
until the chicken is coated well. Then
in a separate bowl, do the same thing with the shrimp. Cook orzo pasta according to
package instructions. But cook "al
dente" because you will finish cooking pasta when it is added to the
jambalaya mixture.
Step 2
In
a large skillet, add about 2 tbsp olive oil.
Start with chicken first, place in pan and add part of the onions,
garlic and peppers and sauté until it is about half done. Then remove chicken and set aside. Add more oil if required, then add the
balance of onions, garlic, peppers and shrimp. Sauté until shrimp is nice a
pink, but do not over cook.
Step 3
Now
add to the skillet, tomatoes and chicken broth and combine with shrimp. Stir gently and add chicken back to the
skillet. Continue to cook until chicken, shrimp and vegetables are tender. Let simmer for about 3 - 5 minutes. Then add orzo pasta to mixture and combine
well and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
Serve your Jambalaya
Place
in serving bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
