Jambalaya soup is a hearty and flavorful dish inspired by the traditional Creole and Cajun cuisine of Louisiana. It typically includes a mix of rice, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, celery, and spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme.
Protein options often include sausage, chicken, shrimp, or a combination of these. The soup is usually cooked in a broth or stock, often with added ingredients like Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz Andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb chicken breast or shrimp (optional)
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
- Hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add sliced Andouille sausage to the pot and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, rice, paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and flavors have melded together.
- If using chicken breast or shrimp, add them to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking, or until fully cooked through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and hot sauce on the side.
Enjoy your homemade jambalaya soup! It’s perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests with its bold and comforting flavors.
