Gateaux1

This is easily one of our all-time favorite NOLA dishes.

Even if it's not Mardi Gras when you're reading this, when you make this recipe, you'll feel like you're down in the French Quarter having this amazing bowl of pure goodness! It's so good and is even better the next day! 

How To Make Jambalaya at Home

There are just so many things to love about this classic dish. And don't worry, if you don't like shrimp then leave it out! Same with the sausage or chicken! All of the components do come together to make a dish that is really authentic in taste and texture, and not hard to make at all! NOTE: If you liked this video, please subscribe to our YouTube channel. Remember to click the little 'bell' icon so you'll never miss a new video!

The Difference Between Cajun and Creole Jambalaya

This dish is very popular in Louisiana and you'll find different family recipes all across the state.  There really are two major categories, however. Cajun vs. Creole. Cajun typically has a smokier taste and does not usually include tomatoes. Often, the proteins are cooked first, and then on the Cajun holy trinity of vegetables: Onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Our version includes three types of protein: Chicken, sausage, and shrimp, which is common in the Creole version. Creole also usually includes tomatoes, which our includes, as well. It's similar to the mix of culture and tastes down Louisiana way...so vibrant and diverse and just so much flavor. The history of jambalaya is as fully textured and colorful as the dish itself.  Just incredible! EXPERT TIP: We love using uncooked Andouille sausage links for our recipe. If you can't find raw andouille sausage, you can usually find smoked sausage in most well-stocked supermarkets. The smoked sausage is already cooked so all you need to do is brown the slices in your pot. For raw, you'll need to cook the sausage first, either on the grill or in a hot skillet. Sear the chicken, remove it, and then give the cooked sausage a quick brown in the pot. The shrimp goes in right at the end of the cooking process. For the shrimp, we like large, extra-large, or even jumbo. We don't recommend leaving the tails on because they can get in the way when guests dig into a serving, but that's a matter of personal taste. If you can find gulf shrimp, go for it! Authentic and so delicious. You'll stir in the shrimp during the final 15 minutes of cooking the jambalaya.

How To Serve and Store

This recipe will easily feed 8 to 12 people, depending on how hungry they are and what else you are serving. It's great for a Mardi Gras party, watching the big game, or a delicious Sunday night dinner. We serve it right out of the pot with some warm crusty bread and lots of Louisiana-style hot sauce.  A cold beer is certainly a nice addition, too. EXPERT TIP: As mentioned, the dish is even better served the next day. Store in an air-tight container in the fridge and then heat it up on the stove, adding another ½ cup or so of chicken broth to loosen it up.

Other Classic Louisiana Dishes

Some of these dishes are Creole, some are Cajun, some are famous in New Orleans, but all of them are downright delicious. In the meantime, aren't you craving some made-from-scratch jambalaya? Woo hoo! Folks, you may not be able to make it down to Mardi Gras or the Big Easy anytime soon, but that doesn't mean you can't bring it home to your kitchen. This dish is always a crowd favorite and sure to get lots of cheers of joy when you serve it to friends and family. There is just something magical about this incredible Louisiana classic dish. Only thing better? A little Louisiana hot sauce drizzled on top of the steaming bowl of yumminess! Ready to make the best dish this side of the bayou? Go for it! And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!