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Poor Man’s Jambalaya

Poor Man's Jambalaya recipe image
This "Poor Man's" Jambalaya is a comforting, budget-friendly take on the classic Louisiana staple. It relies on the deep, smoky flavors of tasso ham and andouille sausage to build a robust foundation, enhanced by the holy trinity of Cajun cooking: onions, celery, and bell peppers. The dish is seasoned with a punchy blend of cayenne, white pepper, and dry mustard, delivering a gentle heat and earthy depth that coats every grain of rice. Cooked in a heavy skillet, the rice absorbs the savory stock and meat juices, resulting in a tender, flavorful meal that feels both rustic and sophisticated. It is perfect for weeknight dinners when you crave something substantial yet simple to prepare. Serve it hot from the pan for the best texture and flavor, making it an ideal choice for feeding a hungry family or a group of friends looking for a satisfying, home-style feast.
Cooking Method: , , ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Calories: 478
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
This "Poor Man's" Jambalaya is a comforting, budget-friendly take on the classic Louisiana staple. It relies on the deep, smoky flavors of tasso ham and andouille sausage to build a robust foundation, enhanced by the holy trinity of Cajun cooking: onions, celery, and bell peppers. The dish is seasoned with a punchy blend of cayenne, white pepper, and dry mustard, delivering a gentle heat and earthy depth that coats every grain of rice. Cooked in a heavy skillet, the rice absorbs the savory stock and meat juices, resulting in a tender, flavorful meal that feels both rustic and sophisticated. It is perfect for weeknight dinners when you crave something substantial yet simple to prepare. Serve it hot from the pan for the best texture and flavor, making it an ideal choice for feeding a hungry family or a group of friends looking for a satisfying, home-style feast.
Ingredients
  • 4 Whole Bay leaves (small)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon White pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Ground red pepper (cayenne)
  • 1 teaspoon Gumbo file (file powder)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried thyme leaves
  • 4 tablespoons Margarine
  • 6 ounces Tasso (preferred) or other smoked ham, diced
  • 6 ounces Andouille smoked sausage (preferred) or kielbasa, sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups Chopped onions
  • 1 1/2 cups Chopped celery
  • 1 cup Chopped green bell peppers
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Minced garlic
  • 2 cups Uncooked rice (converted)
  • 4 cups Basic beef, pork or chicken stock
Directions
  1. 1
    In a small bowl, combine salt, white pepper, dry mustard, ground red pepper, gumbo file, cumin, black pepper, and dried thyme. Set aside.
  2. 2
    In a large heavy skillet (preferably cast iron), melt the margarine over high heat.
  3. 3
    Add the tasso and andouille; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
  4. 4
    Add the onions, celery, bell peppers, seasoning mix, and minced garlic.
  5. 5
    Stir well and continue cooking until vegetables are browned and tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping the pan bottom well.
  6. 6
    Stir in the rice and cook for 5 minutes, stirring and scraping the pan bottom occasionally to coat the rice.
  7. 7
    Add the stock and bay leaves, stirring well to combine.
  8. 8
    Bring the mixture to a boil.
  9. 9
    Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender but still slightly crunchy, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally toward the end of cooking time.
  10. 10
    Meanwhile, heat the serving plates in a 250-degree oven.
  11. 11
    Remove the bay leaves and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 478kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12.3g19%
Saturated Fat 2.0g10%
Cholesterol 10.5mg4%
Sodium 4912mg205%
Total Carbohydrate 113.6g38%
Dietary Fiber 3.9g16%
Sugars 0.1g
Protein 12.1g25%

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

Keywords: jambalaya, cajun, rice, sausage, tasso, andouille, one-pot, spicy, comfort food, easy dinner, skillet meal, smoked meat, bayou, louisiana, hearty, rustic, vegetables, stock, simmered, family style
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/poor-mans-jambalaya/