Cheap Jambalaya Recipe

Create delicious Cajun magic on a budget with our cheap jambalaya recipe! Easy, affordable, and bursting with flavor. A must-try dish!

Cheap Jambalaya

• Publisher: Crisp Recipe
• Cuisine: Cajun, Creole
• Category: Main dish
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 350 calories

This cheap jambalaya is a delicious and cost-effective twist on the classic Creole dish. It's a hearty, one-pot meal that combines flavors from the American South with a mix of meats, vegetables, and spices.

Prepared with readily available and affordable ingredients, this jambalaya recipe includes smoked sausage, chicken, rice, and a medley of vegetables such as onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. The key to its bold flavor is the addition of Cajun seasoning, which infuses the dish with a delightful blend of spices.

The cooking process is simple and efficient, making it ideal for those looking for a quick, satisfying meal on a budget. With a total preparation and cooking time of around 50 minutes, this jambalaya is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting dish that won't strain your wallet.

Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, making it a wholesome and filling option. Whether you're new to Cajun cuisine or simply seeking an affordable and flavorful meal, this budget-friendly jambalaya delivers a taste of the South without breaking the bank. It's a crowd-pleaser that proves you don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy the rich flavors of Louisiana.

Recipe

Discover wallet-friendly magic in our Budget-Friendly Jambalaya Recipe! Savor Creole flavors on a dime with this delectable dish. 🍛🤑

Ingredients

• 1 cup of rice
• 1/2 pound of smoked sausage (you can use kielbasa or any affordable sausage)
• 1/2 pound of chicken thighs or breast (boneless and skinless)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

Method Instructions

1. Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. Set it aside when it's done.
2. In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Slice the smoked sausage into rounds and add it to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes until the sausage begins to brown.
5. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the Cajun seasoning. Mix well.
7. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld together.
8. Taste the jambalaya and add salt and pepper as needed.
9. To serve, spoon the jambalaya over the cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

This budget-friendly jambalaya should be delicious and filling without breaking the bank. Enjoy your homemade meal!

Recipe Video

Cheap Jambalaya

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Recipe Tags: Cheap Jambalaya, Cheap Jambalaya Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Serving this budget-friendly jambalaya is a delightful part of enjoying this flavorful dish. Here's how to serve it:

1. Prepare the Rice: Start by fluffing the cooked rice with a fork. You can serve the jambalaya over the rice or alongside it, depending on your preference.
2. Serve Generous Portions: Using a ladle or a large spoon, portion out generous servings of the jambalaya onto plates. Make sure each serving has a good mix of meats, vegetables, and sauce.
3. Garnish: For added freshness and a burst of color, consider garnishing each plate with chopped green onions. This adds a lovely contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the dish.
4. Side Dishes (Optional): While jambalaya is a complete meal on its own, you can serve it with additional sides if you like. A simple green salad, cornbread, or a slice of crusty French bread are popular choices that complement the dish nicely.
5. Enjoy: Finally, invite your family or guests to dig in! The combination of spicy sausage, tender chicken, and flavorful rice will surely satisfy your taste buds.

Be mindful, jambalaya is a versatile dish, so feel free to customize it to your liking. Some people like it spicier and may add hot sauce, while others prefer a milder version. Serving it family-style in a large dish is also a great option for a casual gathering. Enjoy your homemade jambalaya!

Tips

1. Use Affordable Meats: To keep costs down, you can choose budget-friendly meats like boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. And for the smoked sausage, look for store-brand or lower-priced options.
2. Prep Ingredients in Advance: Chop all your vegetables and meat before you start cooking. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
3. Cajun Seasoning: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your taste preferences. If you prefer it milder, use less seasoning; if you like it spicier, add a bit more.
4. Rice Choice: While the recipe calls for white rice, you can use brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
5. Don't Overcook: Be cautious not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Once it's no longer pink and juices run clear, it's done.
6. Simmering Time: The longer you simmer, the more the flavors meld together. If you have a bit more time, let it simmer for an extra 5-10 minutes for even richer flavors.
7. Leftovers: Jambalaya often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat for a quick meal.
8. Customize: Feel free to add other vegetables like okra, corn, or peas to the jambalaya if you have them on hand or want to incorporate more veggies.
9. Serve with a Twist: Consider serving your jambalaya in creative ways, like stuffing it into bell peppers or serving it in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a unique presentation.
10. Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with the recipe to suit your taste. Jambalaya is a flexible dish, and you can make it your own by adjusting the ingredients and seasonings.

Ingredient Substitutes

• Meat Substitutes:
  • Chicken → Turkey, Pork, or Shrimp
  • Smoked Sausage → Andouille Sausage or Chorizo
• Rice Alternatives:
  • White Rice → Brown Rice or Quinoa
  • White Rice → Cauliflower Rice (Low-carb option)
• Vegetable Variations:
  • Trinity Vegetables (Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery) → Carrots, Zucchini, or Mushrooms
  • Okra (Traditional addition) → Use if available
• Seasoning Adjustments:
  • Cajun Seasoning → Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Thyme
  • Adjust Spice Level by Adding More/Less Cayenne Pepper
• Broth or Stock:
  • Chicken Broth → Vegetable Broth or Water (for vegetarian version)
  • Seafood Jambalaya → Fish or Shrimp Stock
• Tomato Variations:
  • Canned Diced Tomatoes → Fresh Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce
• Cooking Oil:
  • Vegetable Oil → Olive Oil or Any Cooking Oil
• Garnish Options:
  • Green Onions → Fresh Parsley or Cilantro

Remarks

As you savor every bite of this budget-friendly jambalaya, remember that great flavor doesn't have to come at a high cost. Happy cooking! 🍛🤑