Old Favorites For Cooking: Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a staple of creole cooking. Early settlers to Louisiana were French and Spanish and this dish is a prime example early American fusion cooking. It's name stems from the french "jamba", or ham and the Spanish "paella", or rice dish. Originally the dish was cooked in the big black pots, used for boiling syrup from sugar cane, on an open wood fire with boat oars for stirring. While it's name refers to ham, recipes often exclude it.
To this mixture add:
- 4 CUPS OF WATER (or CHICKEN BROTH if you prefer)
- 1 TBSP OLIVE OIL
Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, for about 25 min. If you prefer to microwave, stir in liquids and cook in a microwavable bowl on high for about 20 min or until rice has softened to desired consistency.
To make the most of this mixture add your choice of onion, peppers, meat, pork, beans, shellfish and or sliced vegetables. When embellishing this mix simmer for another 15 min or until all ingredients are cooked thoroughly.
Ingredients: White rice, Bayou Blackening Balm (paprika, cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, garlic, kosher salt, & tarragon), onion, crushed red pepper, brown sugar, oregano, rosemary, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, pure orange extract [alcohol, water, pure orange oil), coriander, celery seeds, thyme, caraway, and dill seed.
Photo Credit: Justin Hansen
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