Easy Cajun Jambalaya

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 cup of diced onion
• 1 cup of diced celery
• 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 2 cups of uncooked long-grain white rice
• 3 cups of chicken broth
• 2 cups of diced cooked chicken
• 1 cup of diced cooked smoked sausage
• 1/2 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
2. Add the onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, cayenne pepper, black pepper, thyme, oregano, paprika, bay leaf, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the rice and chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Stir in the chicken, sausage, and shrimp. Cover and cook until the shrimp is cooked through and the rice is tender, about 10 minutes.
6. Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley. Serve hot.

Interesting Facts

• Jambalaya is a Louisiana Creole dish of Spanish and French influence.
• The name comes from the Provencal French word ‘jambalaia’, meaning a mix of different ingredients.
• Cajun jambalaya is typically made with andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp.