Cabbage jambalaya is a flavorful and hearty dish that’s a variation of traditional jambalaya, with cabbage as a key ingredient. It’s a comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for using up cabbage and incorporating Cajun flavors. Here’s how to make cabbage jambalaya:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound smoked sausage or andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 small head of cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Brown the Sausage: In a large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven, cook the sliced sausage over medium-high heat until it’s browned and has rendered some fat. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet with the sausage drippings, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
- Add Cabbage and Seasonings: Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over the cabbage. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 5-7 minutes until the cabbage starts to wilt and become tender.
- Stir in Rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the cabbage and seasonings. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to incorporate. Then, add the chicken broth and return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the cabbage jambalaya simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the jambalaya and adjust the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper as needed to suit your taste.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy your cabbage jambalaya!
Cabbage jambalaya is a hearty and satisfying dish with a wonderful blend of flavors. It’s a great way to use up cabbage and enjoy a taste of the South. Feel free to customize it by adding shrimp, chicken, or other proteins, or by adjusting the level of spiciness with more Cajun seasoning or hot sauce.