Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya

Get ready to take your taste buds on a flavorful journey to the heart of Louisiana with this Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya! It’s like your classic jambalaya, but with a twist—cabbage takes center stage, adding a savory crunch and rich texture that complements the spicy, smoky flavors perfectly. Packed with sausage, chicken, and a mix of aromatic veggies, this dish is comforting, bold, and just bursting with flavor. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to weeknight dinner, and you’ll be craving it again and again!

Why You’ll Love Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya

Let me tell you why this dish is going to steal your heart. It’s a vibrant, soul-warming creation that has all the elements you love about classic jambalaya, but with the surprising twist of cabbage.

Packed with Flavor: Spices like cayenne, paprika, and thyme bring the heat, while sausage and chicken fill every bite with deep, savory goodness.

Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish tastes even better the next day, so it’s perfect for leftovers or meal prepping. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder—easy cleanup is always a win!

Hearty and Filling: You won’t need a side dish here. The cabbage adds a hearty crunch, while the rice and protein make it a complete meal in itself.

Customizable: Whether you prefer extra spice, more veggies, or a twist with different proteins, this recipe can be adjusted to fit your tastes. Want to make it vegetarian? Just leave out the sausage and chicken!

A Healthy Take on Jambalaya: You’re still getting all the rich flavors of classic jambalaya, but with cabbage as a low-calorie, high-fiber substitute for the usual rice and other starchy additions.

Ingredients

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this bold and flavorful Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya! It’s got all the Cajun flavors you love, with a veggie-packed twist.

Cabbage: The main star! Chopped cabbage is hearty and takes on all those rich, smoky flavors while adding a satisfying crunch to the dish.

Sausage: I love using smoked sausage for its deep, smoky flavor. You can go for traditional Andouille sausage for a more authentic touch.

Chicken: Tender pieces of chicken breast or thighs are a must to give this jambalaya the protein it needs. It soaks up all the spices and enhances the flavor.

Bell Peppers: Sweet and colorful bell peppers (red, green, or yellow) bring a mild sweetness that balances the spiciness.

Onion: A classic flavor base that gives the dish a savory foundation.

Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth and an aromatic kick that takes everything to the next level.

Cajun Seasoning: The key to the perfect jambalaya flavor! This blend of spices will give the dish that signature Cajun heat and complexity.

Rice: For a more traditional jambalaya feel, add long-grain white rice, which absorbs the flavors perfectly.

Chicken Broth: This helps the rice cook to perfection while adding even more savory flavor to the dish.

Tomato Paste: A little bit of tomato paste adds richness and depth to the broth.

Bay Leaves: These subtle aromatic leaves are a must for that warm, herbal flavor that makes jambalaya so comforting.

Olive Oil: For sautéing the veggies and proteins.

Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course. You can adjust the seasoning depending on how spicy or flavorful you want your jambalaya to be.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this jambalaya cooking! Follow these steps to make your own Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya that’ll have your house smelling amazing:

Heat the Oil: Start by heating some olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Cook the Sausage and Chicken: Add the sausage and chicken to the pot. Cook the sausage until it’s browned and the chicken is cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove them from the pot and set them aside.

Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, add the bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they soften and become fragrant.

Add the Cabbage: Toss in the chopped cabbage and stir it around for another 5 minutes. The cabbage will begin to soften and cook down, absorbing all the flavors.

Stir in the Rice and Tomato Paste: Add the rice and tomato paste to the pot. Stir everything together so the rice gets coated in all those spices and the tomato paste becomes fragrant.

Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and bay leaves. Stir to combine, making sure the rice is evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer and Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed the liquid. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Return the Meat: Once the rice is cooked, add the cooked sausage and chicken back into the pot. Stir everything together, and let it heat through for another 5 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is nice and hot, it’s time to serve! Dish it up, sprinkle a little extra Cajun seasoning on top, and enjoy the spicy, savory goodness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya

This dish is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, but if you want to elevate it further, here are a few sides that pair wonderfully:

Cornbread: A warm, crumbly cornbread is the perfect addition to scoop up any leftover sauce or rice.

Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the jambalaya and give you some refreshing crunch.

Garlic Bread: If you’re in the mood for something extra comforting, serve this jambalaya with a side of crispy, buttery garlic bread.

Pickled Vegetables: The acidity and crunch of pickled vegetables, like jalapeños or cucumbers, cut through the richness of the dish and add a zesty twist.

Hot Sauce: For those who love a little extra heat, drizzle a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce over the top before serving.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicier: If you want more heat, you can add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the pot. Cajun dishes are all about adjusting the spice level to your liking!
• Substitute the Meat: You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and sausage and replacing them with beans or extra veggies for a satisfying meat-free version.
• Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze this jambalaya for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different kind of rice?
A1: While long-grain white rice works best for this recipe, you can substitute it with brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. Keep in mind, the cooking time may vary.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove and add a splash of broth if needed to loosen it up.

Q3: Can I freeze this jambalaya?
A3: Yes! This jambalaya freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Q4: Can I use other vegetables in place of cabbage?
A4: If cabbage isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with kale or even spinach. Just keep in mind that the texture will be a bit different, but still delicious.

Q5: What can I substitute for the chicken broth?
A5: You can use vegetable broth or even water if you don’t have chicken broth on hand. The seasonings will still make it flavorful!

Q6: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
A6: Yes, if you have pre-cooked sausage, you can add it in after the veggies have softened. Just heat it through before serving.

Q7: How do I adjust the spice level?
A7: You can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or add less spicy peppers to lower the heat. For more spice, increase the Cajun seasoning or add some hot sauce.

Q8: Can I add shrimp to this dish?
A8: Absolutely! Shrimp would be a fantastic addition to this jambalaya. Just add it in towards the end and cook until pink.

Q9: How do I make this dish gluten-free?
A9: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that your sausage and broth are gluten-free. Always check labels if you’re unsure.

Q10: How long should I let the jambalaya simmer?
A10: Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. You can always check the texture and add a little more broth if needed.

Conclusion

Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya is the perfect dish for anyone who loves bold, zesty flavors with a touch of Southern charm. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this dish is guaranteed to hit the spot. Packed with smoky sausage, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies, it’s a hearty meal that’s full of flavor. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and make this irresistible jambalaya today!

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