INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the delicious world of Forgotten Jambalaya, a comforting and hearty dish that brings the flavors of the South right to your kitchen. This dish is unique because it simmers away in a slow cooker, making it easy for anyone to prepare. You can simply add all the ingredients, set it, and let it cook while you go about your day. With its rich spices, tender meats, and plump shrimp, this jambalaya is sure to become a favorite for your family and friends.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Forgotten Jambalaya is the perfect stew for busy lifestyles. Imagine coming home after a long day and smelling the mouth-watering aroma of a slow-cooked meal. This dish doesn’t just taste good; it feels good too. The mix of chicken, sausage, and shrimp along with fresh vegetables creates a delightful medley of flavors. Its simplicity is what makes it stand out, as you only need a few ingredients and a slow cooker. You can also customize this dish with what you have on hand. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleaning up afterward. Not to mention, it’s loaded with protein, making it a filling meal that warms you up.
HOW TO MAKE Forgotten Jambalaya
Making Forgotten Jambalaya is straightforward, and you don’t need to be a gourmet chef to pull it off. With just a bit of prep work, you can enjoy a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make Forgotten Jambalaya, you will need:
- A 5-quart slow cooker
- A cutting board
- A sharp knife
- A measuring cup and spoons
- A large spoon for mixing
- Serving bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef or chicken broth
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 2 medium green peppers, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1-1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound smoked sausage, halved and cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1/2 pound uncooked shrimp (31-40 per pound), peeled and deveined
- Hot cooked rice
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
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Start by preparing your ingredients. Chop the celery, green peppers, onion, and garlic. Cube the chicken and slice the sausage.
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In your 5-quart slow cooker, combine the undrained diced tomatoes, broth, and tomato paste. Give it a good stir to mix everything well.
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Next, add in the chopped celery, green peppers, onion, minced garlic, and all the seasonings, including dried parsley, basil, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper, and hot pepper sauce. Mix everything together until well combined.
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Now, add the chicken and sausage to the slow cooker. Stir to ensure all the meat is covered with the sauce and vegetables.
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Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook for 4 to 6 hours or until the chicken is no longer pink inside.
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After this time has passed, add the peeled and deveined shrimp into the slow cooker. Stir them in gently and cover again.
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Let the mixture cook for another 15 to 30 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
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Serve your Forgotten Jambalaya over hot cooked rice.
HOW TO SERVE Forgotten Jambalaya
Serving Forgotten Jambalaya is simple. You can serve it straight from the slow cooker if you are hosting a casual get-together, or dish it up in individual bowls for a more formal meal. Just make sure to provide a generous amount of hot cooked rice underneath the jambalaya. This rice will soak up all the rich flavors from the stew. You may also sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a nice touch. Don’t forget some crusty bread on the side to scoop up all the saucy goodness.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Forgotten Jambalaya
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, just put it in a microwave or on the stovetop until it’s hot. Forgotten Jambalaya also freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it thoroughly before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
You can enjoy Forgotten Jambalaya on its own or with a variety of side dishes. A fresh garden salad can pair nicely with it, adding a crisp contrast. Some people like to serve it with cornbread for a true Southern experience. A glass of sweet tea or lemonade will also complement the dish well, making for a perfect meal.
VARIATIONS
There are many ways to customize this Forgotten Jambalaya recipe to your taste. You can add other proteins like catfish, crawfish, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. If you like your jambalaya spicier, consider adding more cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. You can also toss in some frozen peas or corn for extra color and nutrition. This dish is very versatile!
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice. However, keep in mind that it will take longer to cook.
2. Is there a vegetarian version of this jambalaya?
Absolutely! You can replace the meat with vegetables and a plant-based sausage or just add more beans.
3. Can I cook this dish on high instead of low?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for about 2 to 3 hours. Check to ensure that the chicken is cooked through.
4. How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl up slightly. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Forgotten Jambalaya
To make the preparation easier, you can chop all your vegetables a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. You can also measure out the spices ahead of time and keep them in a small container. If you plan to use fresh shrimp, you should buy them the day you make the dish to ensure they are as fresh as possible.
Print
Forgotten Jambalaya
A hearty and comforting slow-cooked jambalaya featuring chicken, sausage, and shrimp.
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef or chicken broth
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 2 medium green peppers, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1–1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1–1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound smoked sausage, halved and cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1/2 pound uncooked shrimp (31–40 per pound), peeled and deveined
- Hot cooked rice
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: chop the celery, green peppers, onion, and garlic. Cube the chicken and slice the sausage.
- In a 5-quart slow cooker, combine the undrained diced tomatoes, broth, and tomato paste. Stir to mix well.
- Add chopped celery, green peppers, onion, minced garlic, and all seasonings. Mix until combined.
- Stir in the chicken and sausage, ensuring all the meat is coated with the sauce and vegetables.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to low. Cook for 4 to 6 hours or until chicken is no longer pink.
- After 4 to 6 hours, add peeled and deveined shrimp to the cooker, stirring gently. Cover again.
- Cook for another 15 to 30 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Serve the jambalaya over hot cooked rice.
Notes
Feel free to customize this dish with additional vegetables or spices according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Jambalaya, Southern Cooking, Slow Cooker Recipes, One-Pot Meal
