As a New Orleans native, jambalaya is a comfort food for me, as it is for most Louisianans. I’ve grown up eating it at nearly every big event, from family gatherings to game days. The big-batch, make-ahead dish lets you make a delicious meal for your guests without being tied to the stove and missing out on the party, which is why it’s one of my go-to meals whenever I’m entertaining a group of friends.

Why you’ll love it

What is jambalaya?

Jambalaya means “all mixed up” or “jumbled,” and it is exactly that — a combination of West African, French, and Spanish influences that all came together in New Orleans. Although the base of celery, bell pepper, and onion — known as the “holy trinity” — is essential, the proteins vary depending on the season, from crawfish and shrimp to duck and other game meat.

You might also find tomatoes in your jambalaya, which, as any Louisiana native will tell you, can be a little divisive. Versions with tomatoes are considered Creole; ones without tomatoes, like this one, are Cajun. Although both versions are delicious, I prefer to leave out the acidic bite that tomatoes add.

Key ingredients in jambalaya

How to cook the rice in jambalaya perfectly

Since the steam is so essential to success, this is what you’ll tweak if the rice isn’t cooked to your preference after the initial cooking time. If it’s too dry, put the lid back on to keep the steam trapped and give the rice time to absorb more liquid. If it’s too wet, take the lid off to let the steam out so more liquid can evaporate. This takes practice, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it right.

How to serve jambalaya

When it’s time to eat, I like to make sure I always have a vinegar-based hot sauce nearby. Just a little bit of acid balances and enhances jambalaya’s deep, rich flavors. In some Cajun dishes, acid comes from a squeeze of lemon juice, but for jambalaya I prefer my favorite hot sauce, Crystal. It’s not too thick or overpowering and gives the dish a pop of brightness.

Make-ahead and storage tips

Jambalaya

Serves 4

For the creole seasoning:

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon paprika

1 teaspoon ground white pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne

For the jambalaya:

1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)

3 medium stalks celery, diced (about 1 cup)

1 medium green bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)

3 cloves garlic, minced

12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces

1 (about 12-ounce) package andouille or smoked sausage

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola, divided

2 cups medium or long-grain white rice

2 1/2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

2 medium scallions, thinly sliced

Vinegar-based hot sauce (I like Crystal), for serving (optional)

1. Place 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon ground white pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne in a small bowl and stir to combine.

2. Place 1 diced small yellow onion, 3 diced medium celery stalks, 1 diced medium green bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves in a medium bowl.

3. Cut 12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-size pieces. Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt and 1 tablespoon of the Creole seasoning. Cut 1 (12-ounce) package andouille sausage into 1/2-inch thick rounds.

4. Heat 1 tablespoon of the canola oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. You’ll know the oil is hot enough when a sprinkle of water pops and crackles. Add the sausage in a single layer and cook until browned on the cut sides, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Using tongs, transfer the sausage to a plate.

5. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil to the drippings in the pot. Add the chicken and cook until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Using tongs, transfer the chicken to the plate with the sausage.

6. Add the vegetable mixture, remaining Creole seasoning, and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot and stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent, about 2 minutes.

7. Add 2 cups white rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is opaque and toast-y smelling, about 3 minutes.

8. Pour in 2 1/2 cups water or chicken broth and bring to a boil. Return the chicken and sausage and any accumulated juices to the pot and give everything one good stir to mix together. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer undisturbed until the rice is cooked through, 20 to 30 minutes.

9. Give the mixture a gentle stir on top. Cover again, remove from the heat, and let sit for 10 minutes. If the rice is still too wet, take the lid off so the extra liquid evaporates. If the rice is a little dry, keep the lid on a little longer to give the rice more time to absorb the liquid.

10. Once rice is at desired consistency, fluff and serve. Garnish with two thinly sliced scallions and a few dashes of vinegar-based hot sauce.

(Nini Nguyen is a contributor to TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to editorial@thekitchn.com.)

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