Marianne Martinez
Jambalaya is a classic New Orleans dish that typically features a combination of smoked sausage, chicken, and vegetables like bell peppers and onions. It's a true staple of Creole and Cajun cooking and can be made in a crock pot or slow cooker. Zatarain's Jambalaya Mix is a popular choice for those looking to make this dish, and it can be cooked in a crock pot with additional ingredients such as chicken, shrimp, diced tomatoes, and rice. This easy and satisfying meal can be adapted to suit various tastes, with options like a shrimp-free version or using different types of sausages to adjust the spice level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Smoked sausage, chicken, shrimp, bell peppers, onion, diced tomatoes, Creole seasoning, oregano, chicken broth, Zatarain's Jambalaya Rice Mix |
| Crock Pot Cooking Time | High: 3-4 hours, Low: 6-7 hours |
| Rice Cooking Time | 30 minutes before serving |
| Nutrition Information | Calories: 379kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 23g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 102mg, Sodium: 858mg, Potassium: 875mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 1410IU, Vitamin C: 66mg, Calcium: 52mg, Iron: 3mg |
| Notes | The sausage can be browned before adding to the crock pot for extra flavor. Shrimp can be added during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking time. |
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What You'll Learn
Crock Pot Jambalaya ingredients
Jambalaya is a one-pot meal that typically includes smoked sausage, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables like bell peppers and onions. It is a staple of Creole and Cajun cooking, originating in Louisiana. Here is a list of ingredients commonly used in Crock Pot Jambalaya:
Meat and Seafood:
- Smoked Sausage: Regular smoked sausage is used to keep the heat down, but you can use andouille sausage if you prefer it spicier.
- Chicken: Chicken breasts or thighs can be used and are often browned in olive oil and butter before adding to the crockpot.
- Shrimp: Shrimp is added towards the end of the cooking process and cooked until it turns pink and is no longer translucent.
Vegetables and Herbs:
- Onion: Chopped onions are a common ingredient in jambalaya, providing a savory base for the dish.
- Bell Peppers: Bell peppers add colour and a mild, sweet flavour to the dish.
- Celery: Celery is often used to add crunch and a subtle flavour to the jambalaya.
- Garlic: Garlic enhances the flavour of the dish and is usually minced or crushed.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes are added, sometimes with their juice, to provide a tangy flavour.
- Oregano: Dried or fresh oregano is used to add an earthy, aromatic flavour.
- Bay Leaves: Bay leaves are used to infuse a subtle, herbal flavour into the dish.
Seasonings and Spices:
- Creole Seasoning: Creole seasoning is a blend of spices commonly used in Creole cuisine, adding a unique flavour to the dish.
- Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning is a popular choice.
- Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick to the jambalaya.
- Salt and Pepper: These are used to taste to enhance the flavours of the dish.
Rice and Broth:
- Rice: Jambalaya typically includes rice, which can be cooked separately and mixed in before serving or stirred directly into the crockpot towards the end of cooking. Zatarain's Jambalaya Rice Mix is a popular choice, but regular long-grain rice can also be used.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is used as the cooking liquid, providing moisture and flavour to the dish.
Additional Ingredients:
- Butter: Butter is sometimes used for browning the meat or vegetables.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for cooking the meat and vegetables, adding flavour and preventing sticking.
- Water: Water is added to the crockpot to provide additional liquid for cooking the rice.
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Cooking time and temperature
Zatarain's Jambalaya can be cooked in a crock pot, and the cooking time and temperature will depend on the ingredients used and the number of servings. Here is a guide:
If you are using a crock pot, the cooking time will vary depending on your desired temperature setting. For a high-temperature setting, the jambalaya will take around 3-4 hours to cook. On the other hand, for a low-temperature setting, it will take approximately 6-7 hours.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific model and settings of your crock pot, so adjust the timing accordingly.
When using Zatarain's Jambalaya Rice Mix, you should add the mix during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. This ensures that the rice is cooked properly and has time to absorb the flavours without becoming overcooked or mushy.
If you are using uncooked rice, it is recommended to add it at the beginning of the cooking process, as it requires a longer cooking time to become tender. However, keep in mind that different types of rice may have varying cooking times, so adjust accordingly.
Additionally, if you are adding shrimp to your jambalaya, it is best to add it towards the end of the cooking process. This prevents overcooking, ensuring the shrimp remain tender and juicy. Aim to add the shrimp during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking, depending on their size and your desired level of doneness.
For browning meat, such as sausage or chicken, you can do this separately in a skillet before adding it to the crock pot. This adds depth of flavour and colour to your jambalaya. However, if you are short on time or prefer a simpler approach, you can skip this step and add the meat directly to the crock pot with the other ingredients.
Remember to keep an eye on your crock pot during the cooking process and give it a stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Adjust the timing and temperature as needed to suit your specific crock pot and ingredients used.
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Rice type and quantity
When making jambalaya in a crock pot, the type and quantity of rice used can vary depending on the specific recipe and your personal preferences. Here is some information on the rice type and quantity to use when making Zatarain's jambalaya in a crock pot:
Rice Type:
Zatarain's Jambalaya Rice Mix is a popular choice for making crockpot jambalaya. This rice mix is specifically designed for jambalaya and delivers perfectly seasoned, aromatic rice. It absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients in the crockpot. If you cannot find the Zatarain's rice mix, you can use long-grain rice as a substitute.
Rice Quantity:
The quantity of rice used in crockpot jambalaya will depend on the number of servings you want to make and your desired rice-to-ingredient ratio. Typically, jambalaya recipes call for around 3 cups of cooked rice, which should be enough for about 6 servings. However, you can always adjust the quantity based on your preferences.
It's important to note that the rice should be added towards the end of the cooking process. For crockpot jambalaya, it is recommended to add the cooked rice about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the rice to simmer in the mixture and absorb the flavors without overcooking.
If you are using uncooked rice, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as it will take longer to cook. Some crock pots may also affect the cooking time, so it's important to keep an eye on the rice to ensure it is cooked through.
In summary, when making Zatarain's jambalaya in a crockpot, you can use their Jambalaya Rice Mix or substitute it with long-grain rice. The quantity of rice can vary, but around 3 cups of cooked rice is a good starting point for about 6 servings. Add the cooked rice towards the end of the cooking process to ensure it doesn't overcook.
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Meat and seafood options
Jambalaya is a one-pot meal that typically features a combination of meat and seafood with vegetables. When it comes to meat and seafood options for Zatarain's jambalaya in a crock pot, there are several delicious choices to choose from.
Meat options include sausage, chicken, and ham. For sausage, you can use smoked sausage or andouille sausage, which is traditionally used in jambalaya and adds a spicier kick to the dish. Chicken can be browned in olive oil and butter before adding it to the crock pot. Ham can be cooked alongside the sausage and onion.
For seafood, shrimp is a popular choice. It is important to note that shrimp cooks quickly, so it should be added towards the end of the cooking process. You can also remove the shells from the shrimp before serving or leave them on and instruct your guests to remove them as they eat.
Additionally, you can experiment with other seafood options like crab or crawfish, depending on your preference and availability.
When combining these ingredients in your crock pot, simply add your chosen meat and seafood options along with the vegetables, rice, and seasonings. Follow the cooking instructions provided on the Zatarain's jambalaya package for the best results.
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Zatarain's Jambalaya Mix alternatives
Zatarain's Jambalaya Mix is a popular choice for those seeking a quick, easy, and tasty meal. However, some may prefer alternatives due to the high sodium content in the mix or simply to explore different flavours. Here are some alternatives to Zatarain's Jambalaya Mix:
- Jambalaya Girl: Jambalaya Girl's mix is highly recommended by a user from New Orleans, claiming it to be ten times better than Zatarain's. It has a great flavour and doesn't require additional spices. Simply add chicken thighs or andouille sausage to the mix. You can also add sliced smoked green-onion sausage, baked chicken breast, shrimp, and vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and celery for a hearty and delicious jambalaya.
- Tony Cachere's Lower Sodium Spice Mix: For those conscious about their sodium intake, Tony Cachere's offers a lower-sodium alternative to Zatarain's mix. You can add your choice of meat and vegetables to create a flavourful jambalaya without the high salt content.
- Copycat Zatarain's Jambalaya Mix: If you're feeling creative, you can make your own copycat version of Zatarain's Jambalaya Mix. This option allows you to control the spice level and adjust the ingredients to your preference. The process involves combining spices, bell peppers, tomato sauce, sausage, shrimp, and water to create a similar flavour profile to Zatarain's. You can even gift this mix to others by providing the dry ingredients in a jar with cooking instructions.
- Homemade Jambalaya from Scratch: While it may require more time and effort, making jambalaya from scratch allows you to customise the dish entirely to your taste. You can choose your preferred meats, spices, and vegetables, and cook them according to your desired methods. This option provides the most flexibility in terms of ingredients and cooking techniques, allowing you to create a unique jambalaya that suits your palate.
Remember, when using pre-made mixes, you can always add your twist by incorporating different meats, seafood, vegetables, or spices to enhance the flavour and make it your own.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need Zatarain's Jambalaya Rice Mix, smoked sausage, chicken, bell peppers, onion, diced tomatoes, Creole seasoning, oregano, and chicken broth.
First, brown the sausage in a skillet for extra flavor. Then, add the sausage, chicken, bell peppers, onion, tomatoes, seasoning, oregano, and chicken broth to the crock pot. Mix and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours. Finally, add the cooked rice and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
Zatarain's jambalaya is typically served over rice. You can use the Zatarain's Jambalaya Rice Mix or cooked long-grain rice.
