Homemade Jambalaya

I typically do not order anything at a restaurant that I make at home.

Partially as a treat to myself to have something different when we go out and partially because I feel like my home cooked meals are just as good but for less cost.

Well, Jambalaya is one of those meals I have rarely made at home. Until now.

We all know that restaruants are closed to sit-down meals during this pandemic, plus I live an hour out of town and don’t feel like doing that kind of drive for take-out!

So, of course, I decided to whip up a batch of my own. With no recipe to follow. And it turned out great!

Sure, I could have looked up a recipe on Pinterest, but I am notorious for changing almost any recipe I find anyway, so I chose to just make my own.

Sauté 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 chopped onion, 1 chopped celery stalk, and about 6-8 cherry tomatoes in 1 tablespoon butter until slightly soft.

Add 1/4 yellow pepper and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes.

When all vegetables are slightly soft, add 1/2 cup rice, 1 cup water, a splash of lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon creole seasoning. (I did not add salt as the creole seasoning contains salt)

Add 1/4 teaspoon oregano and 1/4 teaspoon thyme for that extra bit of flavour.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover for 10-12 minutes or until the rice is soft.

Meanwhile, cook 1 strip of bacon until crispy. You can add chicken, sausage, and shrimp as meat options as desired.

When rice is fully cooked, dish into a deep bowl and top with crumbled bacon and desired meats.

Garnish with green onions and parsley (cilantro is yummy, too, but I didn’t have any on hand).

(CLICK HERE FOR HOW TO GROW AN ENDLESS SUPPLY OF GREEN ONIONS FOR FREE!)

Jambalaya Recipe

Makes 1 serving

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 onion, chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

6-8 cherry tomatoes

1 tablespoon butter

1/4 yellow pepper, chopped

1/4 red pepper flakes

1/2 cup jasmine rice

1 cup water

Splash of lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon creole seasoning

1/4 teaspoon oregano

1/4 teaspoon thyme

1 slice bacon, crumbled

Optional meats: chicken, sausage, shrimp.

Garnishes: green onions, parsley, cilantro.

Directions

Sauté onion, garlic, and celery in butter until soft.

Add pepper, tomato, and red pepper flakes.

Cook for 1-2 minutes.

Add rice, water, lemon juice, creole seasoning, oregano, and thyme.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until rice is tender.

Plate and add bacon, shrimp, and other meats desired.

Garnish with green onions, parsley, and cilantro.

Enjoy!

Enjoy!