Light Turkey Jambalaya

This Light Turkey Jambalaya offers a healthier twist on the traditional Southern classic, swapping heavy meats for lean turkey breast and sausage while retaining that deep, savory flavor profile. The dish combines tender rice with the "holy trinity" of onions, green peppers, and red peppers, simmered in a rich broth infused with paprika, thyme, and cumin. It delivers a comforting, hearty meal with a pleasant kick of heat from the hot sauce, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The turkey breast is slow-cooked to ensure it remains moist and flavorful, while the rice absorbs all the aromatic spices. It's a satisfying, one-pot wonder that brings authentic Cajun warmth to your table without the heaviness of traditional recipes.

Cooking Method: Boiling, Stewing

Cuisine: Cajun

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 6

Calories: 450

Dietary: Vegan

Description

This Light Turkey Jambalaya offers a healthier twist on the traditional Southern classic, swapping heavy meats for lean turkey breast and sausage while retaining that deep, savory flavor profile. The dish combines tender rice with the "holy trinity" of onions, green peppers, and red peppers, simmered in a rich broth infused with paprika, thyme, and cumin. It delivers a comforting, hearty meal with a pleasant kick of heat from the hot sauce, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The turkey breast is slow-cooked to ensure it remains moist and flavorful, while the rice absorbs all the aromatic spices. It's a satisfying, one-pot wonder that brings authentic Cajun warmth to your table without the heaviness of traditional recipes.

Ingredients

Olive oil
Onion, finely chopped
Green bell pepper, stemmed
Red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and coarsely chopped
Garlic, peeled and minced
Diced tomatoes in puree
Low-sodium chicken broth
Paprika
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Dried thyme leaves, crushed
Ground cumin
Turkey breast, bone-in, skin removed
Turkey sausage, such as Polish or Kielbasa, cut into 1/4 inch slices
Uncooked white rice
Hot sauce
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4
Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and cumin.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6
Add the turkey breast to the pot, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the liquid.
7
Cover and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through and tender.
8
Remove the turkey from the pot and set aside to cool slightly, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
9
While the turkey cools, add the sliced turkey sausage and uncooked rice to the pot.
10
Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
11
Return the diced turkey to the pot along with the hot sauce, salt, and black pepper.
12
Cook on medium-low heat for another 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the sausage is heated through.
13
Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Cholesterol 120mg40%
Sodium 850mg36%
Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 4g
Protein 35g70%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/light-turkey-jambalaya/