Description
This Red Bean Jambalaya is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal combining smoked sausage, vegetables, red beans, and rice simmered in a spiced chicken broth. Featuring classic Cajun seasonings and a smoky undertone from paprika and sausage, it delivers a comforting taste of Southern Louisiana cuisine with a convenient gluten-free twist. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner, this dish is completed with fresh green onions and a splash of hot sauce for added zest.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz. smoked sausage, cubed
- 2 celery stalks, medium-diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 - 15 oz. cans red beans, drained
- 1 - 15 oz. can crushed tomato
- 1 1/2 cups white rice
- 1 quart chicken broth
- 1 cup green onion, sliced
- 1 bottle hot sauce (Crystal preferred)
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, add the olive oil and cubed smoked sausage. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the sausage is deeply caramelized and browned to develop rich flavor.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced celery, green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Continue cooking for 6 to 8 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Beans, Tomato, Rice, and Spices: Stir in the drained red beans, crushed tomato, white rice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer the Jambalaya: Once boiling, reduce the heat immediately to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste, cover the pot, and let cook gently for 13 to 15 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Rest the Dish: Remove the pot from heat and keep covered for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to finish steaming perfectly.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in sliced green onions and add hot sauce to taste before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and comforting Red Bean Jambalaya hot.
Notes
- Use smoked sausage for authentic smoky flavor; kielbasa or andouille are excellent choices.
- If you prefer spicier jambalaya, increase the amount of hot sauce or add cayenne pepper.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit sausage, or replace with a plant-based sausage.
- Make sure to rinse and drain canned beans well to reduce sodium content.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern