Recipe courtesy of the National Pork Board, Des Moines, Iowa.
Jambalaya is a dish from the heart of Louisiana, embodying the opulent, diverse culture of Cajun and Creole cuisine. This one-pot wonder is a staple of Southern cuisine and is known for its energetic flavors and hearty ingredients. This is a dish that tells a story with every bite, combining the influences of the culinary traditions of Spain, France and Africa.
Jambalaya is traditionally made with a flavorful mixture of meats, vegetables and rice, all cooked together in a savory broth. Proteins such as chicken, sausage, shrimp and ham are added, each adding their own distinct flavor. The leisurely cooking process allows the ingredients to combine, creating a nutritious, comforting dish with layers of opulent, satisfying flavors that heated the soul and tantalize the taste buds.
The Cajun flavor profile is characterized by bold, forceful spices. Key spices include garlic, paprika, thyme, oregano and cayenne pepper, which add depth and exquisite heat to the dish. These flavors aren’t just zingy; they aim to create complicated and balanced taste experiences. The smoky, zingy and slightly zingy notes of jambalaya make this a unique dish.
One of the best things about jambalaya is its versatility, making it a great way to exploit up leftover meat. After a holiday feast or a gigantic family dinner, you may find that you have more ham than you know what to do with. This ham jambalaya recipe is the perfect solution. The zingy, slightly sweet flavor of ham complements bold spices and fresh vegetables, creating a harmonious blend that elevates the flavor of the dish.
By adding leftover ham, you reduce food waste and add an extra layer of flavor to the dish. The ham adds a wonderful smokiness and richness that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Plus, it’s an basic way to prepare a delicious, robust meal without having to spend hours in the kitchen.
Jambalaya is more than just a dish; it is a celebration of culture and taste. With roots deeply rooted in Louisiana’s opulent culinary traditions, it offers a taste of the South that can’t be beat. This ham jambalaya recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy real Cajun flavors while making the most of leftover ham. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort and joy.
Jambalaya ham
Leftover ham with a Cajun flavor. Serve with a green salad and lofty iced tea.
- 1 1/2 cups ham diced
- 1 spoon olive oil
- 1 cup onion cut
- 3/4 cup green pepper cut
- 1 teaspoon garlic ground, 2 cloves
- 14.5 ounce stewed tomatoes
- 14 ounce chicken soup reduced sodium content
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups rice quick cooking
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Heat the olive oil in a vast pot over medium heat. Fry the onion, sweet pepper and garlic in sizzling oil for about 5 minutes or until cushioned. Stir in undrained stewed tomatoes, chicken broth, ham and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Stew uncovered for 5 minutes. Mix the rice. Remove from heat. Cover and set aside for about 5 minutes or until the rice is tender.
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Serves 4.
Calories: 473kcalCarbohydrates: 68GProtein: 19GFat: 14GSaturated fats: 4GPolyunsaturated fats: 2GMonounsaturated fatty acids: 7GCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 1225mgPotassium: 601mgFiber: 4GSugar: 7GVitamin A: 890IUVitamin C: 34mgCalcium: 79mgIron: 3mg
