One-Pot Wonders

Brown Rice Jambalaya-ish

March 17, 2011
4.4
9 Ratings
Photo by James Ransom
  • Prep time 20 minutes
  • Cook time 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Serves 4 - 6
Author Notes

I've been playing with brown rice in this recipe for a while and this method seems to work pretty well. I have tried it in the oven, but stove top makes it easier to check the liquid level. I leave out one of the trinity of New Orleans style cooking, the green bell pepper, because I just don't like them. To use bell pepper, add about a half a pepper, diced, when you add your onion and celery. - healthierkitchen —healthierkitchen

Test Kitchen Notes

WHO: healthierkitchen is a D.C.-area home cook, mother and former attorney who is taking a stand against a family proclivity towards health issues by devoting herself to time in the kitchen, family dinners and nutritious home cooking.
WHAT: Richly spiced, protein-packed Jambalaya.
HOW: Six steps, one pot. Is there anything better?
WHY WE LOVE IT: There is nothing skimpy about healthierkitchen's brown rice version of this Bayou classic. Brimming with shrimp, chicken and andouille, this virtuous one-dish dinner feels absolutely indulgent. In fact, drbabs, who originally tested this recipe when it was a Community Pick, called it "something of a miracle". We couldn't agree more.
Food52

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • Jambalaya-ish
  • 1 pound fresh shrimp (you can also use crabmeat or crayfish if you can get them)
  • 2 links Zatarain's Andouille Smoked Sausage
  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can sub in about 2 cups leftover, cooked chicken diced up)
  • 1 tablespoons olive oil, plus more if needed
  • 1 nice large onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 fat garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Turkish red pepper paste (I use this instead of bell pepper, but you don't need both. Also, if you don't already have this, just skip it)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun spice mix (see below)
  • 2 teaspoons flour
  • 2 1/2 cups low or no sodium added chicken stock
  • 1 can (14.5) ounces) diced, fire-roasted, no salt added tomatoes (if you can't find fire roasted, use regular)
  • 1 cup medium grain brown rice or mekong flower rice, uncooked (I use Uncle Ben's in the orange bag for this. Lundberg's also has one.)
  • 3 scallions, sliced
  • Cajun Spice Mix (this will be more than you need for this recipe. store the remainder in a sealed container for next time)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
Directions
  1. Peel and devein shrimp and set aside.
  2. slice andouille sausage into approximately 1/2 - 1 inch chunks. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage, turning once or twice until nicely browned. Remove sausage from pan and reserve. If you want to use raw chicken thighs, brown them here and then set aside with the sausage.
  3. Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat, then add the olive oil and then the diced onion and celery (and green pepper if you're using it). When the onion begins to soften, add the garlic and cook another few minutes until onions are translucent.
  4. If using red pepper paste, add that to the pot and then the spice mix and flour. Mix well and let cook for a couple of minutes.
  5. Add the chicken stock, tomatoes and brown rice. Bring to a boil and then lower to a simmer. Add in the sausage (and chicken too if you're starting with raw) and cover pot. Let simmer for about 55 minutes. Check the liquid after about 40 minutes to make sure it hasn't cooked down too much. If it seems dry, add another half cup to a cup of stock or water.
  6. Add in the shrimp (and chicken if you're using already cooked) and let simmer, covered, for another five minutes or so.
Contest Entries

See what other Food52ers are saying.

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  • LeeLeeBee
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  • krikri
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  • Caroline Collier
    Caroline Collier
  • sevenfaces
    sevenfaces

67 Reviews

GiannaMa January 23, 2022
Both my husband and I loved this recipe. It was yummy. We will use less rice and we decided not to bother with the chicken the next time.
 
Jc January 9, 2022
Delicious. I made some plain rice on the side so folks could moderate the heat to their liking. Even the spice-avoidant 6 years olds ate seconds.
 
MBE February 15, 2021
Love this one. This is at least the 2nd time I've made it. This time I threw in a chopped green bell pepper because I had it (used to hate them but I've recently come around). Could use a bit more spice/heat so will make a note to add some cayenne to the Spice Mix (made half). Bonus is that is as good on day 2. See previous notes to make fewer pots to clean :-)
 
Sinamen78 November 28, 2020
What do we do with the scallions? They are in the ingredient list, but doesn’t tell where to use them ?
 
Dearinger November 19, 2019
I made this last night and it was excellent! I seasoned the chicken thighs with the Cajun Spice Mix before browning them and eliminated the flour. It was a crowd pleaser that I will certainly make again.
 
LeeLeeBee January 13, 2016
This is one of my favorites. I usually use a bell pepper in addition to the pepper paste, and then increase the spice mix by about 50%.
 
krikri December 22, 2015
Very good. Modifications: chouriço mouro instead of andouille (hard to find in Portugal); did sausage and skinned not boneless chicken in dutch oven before taking them out and doing the mirepoix in the same pot; basmati instead of brown rice, put in after about 15 minutes of cooking the meat and then for 15 minutes more before adding the shrimp.
It was all very delicious and I will definitely make it again!
 
Marcy L. December 17, 2015
Delicious and easy. A great weeknight recipe. Thanks!
 
Caroline C. February 10, 2015
This made a really satisfying weeknight dinner. It took a little bit longer to simmer but, after letting it rest, the extra liquid absorbed and it became the perfect consistency. I followed the recipe exactly, other than using just a dutch oven and adding a handful of green peas while the shrimp were cooking. I served it with baked sweet plantains, which offset the mild spice of the Jambalaya. Glad to have the extra Cajun spice mix to try in other dishes, it's a nicely balanced combination. Thanks for a new go-to recipe! Also, just a heads up, there is a minor typo in the recipe: tried thyme (which also makes an apt and poetic description of dried herbs)
 
healthierkitchen February 13, 2015
I'm glad you liked it Caroline! I will try to change the typo - thanks for picking that up!
 
sevenfaces June 21, 2014
I love an easy one-pot meal! Didn't have onion powder or dry mustard but overall the flavour still really packed a punch. I was impressed with how good this tasted considering how little effort it took. Yum yum yum.
 
Claudia April 24, 2014
I made this last week (without paste). It was very filling and nicely seasoned. Held up well the next day for left-overs.
 
healthierkitchen May 2, 2014
Very glad it worked out for you Claudia! Thanks for commenting!
 
Chelsea March 20, 2014
I didn't have red pepper paste so I used a whole bell pepper. Came out great :)
 
healthierkitchen March 25, 2014
Chelsea - the bell pepper is actually the traditional ingredient and to some, shouldn't be messed with. I just happen not to like bell pepper, probably the only vegetable I really don't care for :)
 
MBE January 23, 2014
A darn good week-night Jambalaya! Only adjustment I made was to brown the andouille and chicken in the Dutch Oven (actually used a 3.5 qt Le Cruset Braiser) that I was using for the rest of the recipe - one pot to clean and you don't lose all that great fond/flavor. Leftovers were as good if not better than the first night.
 
healthierkitchen March 25, 2014
Thanks MBE - yes, browning it in one pan is a time saver and saves cleaning an extra pan! So glad you liked it!!
 
Laurelb January 22, 2014
Fabulous. Every time I make it my husband says love much he loves it. A perfect company dish with a green salad and crusty French bread
 
healthierkitchen March 25, 2014
so glad you and your husband like this, Laurelb! And thanks for letting me know!
 
Miriamp January 20, 2014
I assume you add scallions after the dish is cooked. Right?
 
healthierkitchen January 21, 2014
Yes, sorry, Miriamp - just a little on top to finish the dish
 
adele93 May 15, 2013
would harissa work as a sub for the cajan as i don't want to go and buy all the separate spices?
 
healthierkitchen May 28, 2013
you can try a premade cajun spice mix. they're available at most groceries. I think Tony Cachere's is one of the more well known.
 
Gourmand1209 February 16, 2013
We tried this with frozen thanksgiving turkey (thank you food saver) and thanksgiving turkey stock. We also spend $5 on some turkish red pepper paste(don't skip this, regardless of recipe writers comments - it is worth it) and frankly were really amazed at how well this turned out. Good spice and heat, but not overpowering, also reminescent of jambalaya dishes we have had out and in New Orleans! Kudos!
 
healthierkitchen March 13, 2013
Thanks so much gourmand1209! I love the taste of the pepper paste too! There's a thread on the hotline today about it - and someone even located a recipe to make some! Your jar will last you a while and doesnt go bad in the fridge. It's great in lots of red lentil soups!
 
LeeLeeBee February 8, 2013
I physically had to restrain my boyfriend from getting a third helping so I could have leftovers for lunch! This was fantastic and a new favorite weeknight dinner.
 
healthierkitchen March 13, 2013
thanks for taking the time to comment and glad to hear your boyfriend liked it!
 
LeeLeeBee November 27, 2013
We can't find andouille in Australia, so I substitute Spanish chorizo and replace 1/3 of the normal paprika with smoked paprika. This recipe is in our regular rotation, so delicious.
 
M.C. S. February 3, 2013
I made this for my husband and me last night and it was AMAZING and so easy. I used Trader Joe's brown jasmine rice and it cooked up beautifully per your recipe. I could not find andouille sausage, so I used hot chourico sausage - delicious. We are looking forward to having the leftovers today.
 
healthierkitchen March 13, 2013
so glad you liked it!! I love hearing how you've adapted it to what you had!
 
Greenstuff December 3, 2012
Have you noticed that this recipe is noted on Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Chabon's website? The guy likes his food.
 
healthierkitchen December 5, 2012
I can not believe it! I'm a big fan of his!
 
greatm31 October 31, 2012
This was fantastic! I used whole foods pork andouille sausages (removed from the casings, and browned as little disk-shaped sausages). I also found I could cook the whole thing in one pot (didn't need the skillet, just cook the sausages in the pot, remove, brown the chicken, remove, add veggies and continue with recipe). That helped with cleanup. Other minor changes: I too am a little worried about my salt intake so I only put 1/2 tsp of salt in the seasoning--still delicious. I also threw in a can of white beans with the broth, just cause I thought it would be good (it was!). Now I'm not sure what to use the leftover seasoning for--any ideas? I thought it might be good as a dry-rub for chicken.
 
healthierkitchen November 10, 2012
glad you liked this. I love the bean addition!
I save the spice mix in a small spice container and use it whenever Cajun spice is called for. I make this recipe from time to time and also make red beans and rice with turkey keilbasa from WF.
 
shs October 15, 2012
Can Thai red chili paste be substituted for the Turkish red pepper paste or do you think it's better to skip it altogether if I don't have the Turkish?
 
healthierkitchen October 19, 2012
thai red chili paste is much hotter and a different flavor- If you don't have the pepper paste I'd just leave it out or use a fresh red or green bell pepper diced up with the celery. Hope you like it!
 
sbf-ct October 3, 2012
I had to tweek a bit... first off, I started too late at night, but was lucky in that I happened to have just the right leftovers waiting... I sauteed the pepper (I used one whole red), onion, celery garlic.. added broth, tomatoes, spices.. it was a bit spicy for my little people (3 & 5 year olds just can't appreciate a smidge of heat), so I added a little extra broth and about a tablesoon of sugar to kill the heat.. I let that boil a bit because I had a mountain of leftover rice, leftover shredded chicken and fresh shrimp.. turned to be only about (8 weight watchers points if anyone cares).. I didn't have sausage but imagine it'll be even better with it.. it's DELICIOUS!! Thanks for the great, easy recipe!
 
sbf-ct October 3, 2012
I had to tweek a bit... first off, I started too late at night, but was lucky in that I happened to have just the right leftovers waiting... I sauteed the pepper (I used one whole red), onion, celery garlic.. added broth, tomatoes, spices.. it was a bit spicy for my little people (3 & 5 year olds just can't appreciate a smidge of heat), so I added a little extra broth and about a tablesoon of sugar to kill the heat.. I let that boil a bit because I had a mountain of leftover rice, leftover shredded chicken and fresh shrimp.. turned to be only about (8 weight watchers points if anyone cares).. I didn't have sausage but imagine it'll be even better with it.. it's DELICIOUS!! Thanks for the great, easy recipe!
 
healthierkitchen October 19, 2012
Thanks for giving this a try. Glad to hear that it work sout for WW! You could try halving the spice mix for your kids and adding a little more in for you if you try it again. Or, cut the chili powder in the spice mixture.
 
Anne B. October 2, 2012
My mother always cooked her jambalaya rice separately and added it to the sauce at the end. I should have done this here: it took over an hour to get the brown rice cooked in the sauce, which became thicker and thicker as it cooked down. By the time the rice was fully cooked, it had begun to break apart into smaller shards. Not pretty.
 
healthierkitchen October 19, 2012
I'm so sorry the rice didn't work out for you. What type did you use? It usually takes me close to an hour simmering, but I've never had that problem with the rice.
 
sbf-ct October 2, 2012
This sounds wonderful healthierkitchen... I'm going ditch the sausage (only because I haven't got any and it's pouring rain outside), and cross my fingers that the kids like it!! I think it sounds great, but is it spicy? It doesn't look like it, but it does have jumbalaya in the name...
 
healthierkitchen March 30, 2012
Peter you're absolutely right that I need to edit the ingredients to reflect that the rice goes into the pot uncooked and the recipe to add to garnish with the scallions as the pot comes off the heat. So sorry! Glad you liked it anyway!!
 
healthierkitchen March 30, 2012
except that I now realize that I have no idea how to edit a recipe in this new format! Peter, if you see this please let me know! Thanks.
 
Peter March 25, 2012
I just made this for my family tonight and just wanted to let you know that it was a HUGE hit. Everyone loved it, including my brother-in-law who's prone to heartburn and my sister who's been dieting for the last 3 months -- she took THREE portions and she said to let you know she hasn't even had *seconds* of anything all year.

It was so easy to make (especially if you have the time to mise-en-place everything) and needless to say this will be in my permanent rotation.

(A few very minor notes, 1) the ingredients call for scallions but the recipe never tells you what to do with them. 2) I think the recipe could be a bit more clear that the rice you use should be added to the pot raw. I started cooking the rice in a rice cooker when it dawned on me that the rice would end up cooking during the simmer process in the pot.)
 
healthierkitchen March 30, 2012
Wow Peter you are right I need to make those edits but I don't see how to do that with the new format. If you see this, please let me know! The scallions are just a garnish and yes, I should state that the rice in the ingredient list is uncooked. So glad to hear that you enjoyed it, though!
 
R J. March 11, 2012
I have heard that black rice has a lower glycemic rating, can I substitute black rice for the brown? Thank you RTichard
 
Bevi January 23, 2012
I am excited to make this! I have only made jambalaya once, and look forward to trying this. drbab's prescription is good enough for me!
 
healthierkitchen January 25, 2012
Thanks Bevi! I was thrilled that a pro (and local) like drbabs liked it. Hope you do too!
 
Texas E. January 22, 2012
Wonderful flavors. Probably the tastiest Jambalaya I've made. Thanks!
 
healthierkitchen January 25, 2012
Thanks so much Texas ex- that's so nice of you to say!
 
Waverly January 19, 2012
This looks so good. I am going to give it a try - jambalaya is in my Winter rotation. I always enjoy a new recipe.
 
healthierkitchen January 25, 2012
Hope you like it Waverly!
 
healthierkitchen January 19, 2012
Thanks for the nice comments! So excited! And thanks drabs, for letting me know.
 
Klweaver January 19, 2012
Do you think it could be cooked in a crockpot?
 
healthierkitchen January 19, 2012
I would think so, but I've never done it so I couldn't tell you how long, or how high. Also, I wonder if the amount of liquid would change?
 
Klweaver January 19, 2012
I'm going to try it. Without the sausage it has very few weight watchers points -
 
ricman525 January 19, 2012
Would love to hear your results!
 
aargersi January 18, 2012
Yum and Yay! Congratulations - great to see more of the Bayou represented amongst winners - and a healthy version to boot!!!
 
EdibleExeter January 18, 2012
This recipe has been a staple in my house for months! Congratulations on the win!!!
 
Midge January 18, 2012
Sounds awesome, healthierkitchen. Congratulations on the wildcard!
 
drbabs January 18, 2012
Woohoo!! Congratulations, healthierkitchen! I'm so happy for you! This has become my go-to jambalaya recipe--it's really great, and I'm so happy that you won the wildcard!!
 
healthierkitchen April 6, 2011
Thanks for testing this, drbabs, and for the lovely write up! Glad you liked it! I've been puzzling over the salt as I'm pretty sensitive to salt myself. I have changed the recipe above to say "kosher salt" as that is what I use and using table salt would make it much saltier. I suspect you might have used kosher salt as well, though. I use no salt added tomatoes and stock so I don't know if that made a difference. Regardless, your recommendation is wise - maybe halve the salt in the mix and add salt directly to the jambalaya, to taste, if necessary. Thanks for the feedback:)
 
drbabs April 6, 2011
I actually didn't use kosher salt, and I think using it would help decrease the saltiness. And I also used no salt added tomatoes and stock. We really, really liked it. (Even my husband who professes not to like jambalaya.)
 
healthierkitchen April 6, 2011
Awww thanks, drbabs.
 
drbabs March 17, 2011
Yum yum yum. (I often use red pepper in place of green bell pepper unless I can get bell pepper from the farmer's market or my CSA.) Love love love.
 
healthierkitchen March 17, 2011
Thanks so much drbabs - that is a huge compliment coming from you! I was hoping it wasn't too inauthentic.