Description
Craving a bold, spicy taste of New Orleans without hours in the kitchen? Slow Cooker Jambalaya is your ticket to a soul-warming, Cajun-inspired feast! This vibrant dish combines smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and fluffy rice with a medley of vegetables and zesty spices, all effortlessly cooked in a slow cooker
Ingredients
- Smoked Sausage (1 lb, sliced):
- Why it’s important: Adds smoky, savory depth and hearty texture.
- Substitutions: Andouille sausage (more authentic), kielbasa, or plant-based sausage for vegetarian.
- Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined):
- Why it’s important: Brings tender, sweet seafood flavor to balance the sausage.
- Substitutions: Chicken (cubed, added at the start), crawfish, or omit for a sausage-only version.
- Bell Pepper (1, chopped, any color):
- Why it’s important: Adds sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- Substitutions: Green, red, or yellow bell pepper, or poblano for a smokier flavor.
- Onion (1, chopped):
- Why it’s important: Provides a sweet, savory base.
- Substitutions: Shallots, leeks, or 1 tsp onion powder.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic depth.
- Substitutions: ¾ tsp garlic powder or 1.5 tsp garlic paste.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz, undrained):
- Why it’s important: Forms the tangy, juicy base of the broth.
- Substitutions: Fresh diced tomatoes (2 cups), crushed tomatoes, or fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth.
- Chicken Broth (2 cups):
- Why it’s important: Cooks the rice and adds savory flavor.
- Substitutions: Vegetable broth, seafood stock, or water with a bouillon cube.
- Long-Grain Rice (1 cup):
- Why it’s important: Absorbs the broth and spices, creating a hearty texture.
- Substitutions: Jasmine or basmati rice, or cauliflower rice for low-carb (add in the last 30 minutes).
- Cajun Seasoning (2 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Delivers the spicy, smoky, and herbaceous kick of Creole cuisine.
- Substitutions: Creole seasoning, or a mix of paprika, cayenne, thyme, and garlic powder.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the flavors of the proteins and vegetables.
- Green Onions (for garnish):
- Why it’s important: Adds a fresh, mildly oniony crunch and pop of color.
- Substitutions: Chives, parsley, or omit.
Tip: Use fresh, high-quality shrimp and a trusted Cajun seasoning blend for authentic flavor. Adjust spice levels to your taste.
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- In the slow cooker, add 1 lb sliced smoked sausage, 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, 1 chopped bell pepper, 1 chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 can (14 oz) undrained diced tomatoes, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup long-grain rice, 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stir well to combine, ensuring the rice is fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Tip: Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the rice is tender, the liquid is mostly absorbed, and the shrimp is pink and cooked through (145°F/63°C for shrimp).
- Check doneness at the lower end of the time to avoid overcooking, as rice can become mushy and shrimp can toughen.
- Tip: Stir halfway through if possible to ensure even rice cooking, but avoid overmixing to keep shrimp intact.
Step 3: Serve
- Stir the jambalaya gently to blend the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper if needed.
- Spoon the jambalaya into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a mix of sausage, shrimp, rice, and vegetables.
- Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, colorful finish.
- Serve hot, ideally with a side of cornbread or a simple salad.
- Tip: If the jambalaya is too wet, remove the lid and cook on high for 10–15 minutes to reduce liquid.
