Oven Baked Jambalaya

Name: Oven Baked Jambalaya
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 165 min
Ingredients: Â½ cup of butter; 1 large onion (, finely chopped); 1 large green bell pepper (, finely chopped); 4 stalks of celery (, finely chopped); 4 cloves of garlic (, minced); 1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste; 3 bay leaves; 3 tablespoons of Creole seasoning blend (refer to the provided footnote for a recommended blend); 4 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce; 2 cans (28 ounces each) of whole peeled tomatoes; 7 cups of chicken stock; 3 cups of cooked ham (, chopped); 3 cups of cooked andouille sausage (, sliced); 3 cups of cooked chicken (, cut into bite-sized pieces); 3 cups of frozen cooked shrimp; 4 cups of uncooked long-grain white rice

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Oven Baked Jambalaya

Are you craving a flavorful and comforting dish that will transport you straight to the streets of New Orleans? Look no further than oven-baked jambalaya! This classic Cajun dish is packed with bold flavors and a perfect blend of spices. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of oven-baked jambalaya and how you can easily make it at home.

What Makes Oven Baked Jambalaya So Special?

Jambalaya is a dish that truly captures the essence of Louisiana cuisine. It combines influences from Spanish, French, and West African cooking to create a unique flavor profile that’s both tangy and spicy. The dish typically features a combination of meat, seafood, and vegetables, all cooked together with aromatic spices and rice.

The Magic of the Oven

While traditionally jambalaya is cooked on the stovetop, baking it in the oven adds an extra layer of depth and richness to the flavors. The oven allows the ingredients to slowly meld together, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor and has a delightful texture. Plus, baking it in the oven means you can enjoy the dish without constantly tending to it on the stovetop.

Easy and Convenient

Oven-baked jambalaya is also incredibly convenient to make. Once you’ve prepped all the ingredients and combined them in a baking dish, you can simply pop it in the oven and let it work its magic. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or when you have guests over. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day!

How to Make Oven Baked Jambalaya

To make oven-baked jambalaya, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. You’ll need a combination of meat, such as sausage or chicken, seafood like shrimp or crawfish, and a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and celery. Don’t forget the classic Cajun spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme!

Once you have everything ready, it’s time to start cooking. Saut√© the meat and vegetables in a large skillet until they’re nicely browned. Then, transfer them to a baking dish and add in the spices, rice, and broth. Give everything a good stir to ensure all the flavors are well combined.

Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in a preheated oven. Let it bake for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the rice is cooked and the flavors have melded together. Remove it from the oven, give it a final stir, and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. The result? A deliciously fragrant dish that will have your taste buds dancing!

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of meat in oven-baked jambalaya?

Absolutely! Jambalaya is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different types of meat, such as Andouille sausage, chicken, or even smoked turkey.

2. Can I make oven-baked jambalaya vegetarian?

Yes, you can! Simply omit the meat and seafood and add in more vegetables like okra, mushrooms, or zucchini. The dish will still be packed with flavor and deliciousness.

3. Can I make oven-baked jambalaya gluten-free?

Definitely! Just make sure to use a gluten-free broth and check the labels of your spices and sausage to ensure they are gluten-free. You can also substitute the regular rice with a gluten-free alternative like brown rice or quinoa.

4. Can I freeze oven-baked jambalaya?

Yes, you can! Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven.

5. Can I adjust the spice level in oven-baked jambalaya?

Absolutely! If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.

6. Can I add other vegetables to oven-baked jambalaya?

Definitely! Jambalaya is a versatile dish, and you can add in your favorite vegetables like corn, peas, or even diced tomatoes. Get creative and make it your own!

7. Can I make oven-baked jambalaya ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prep or when you want to save time on busy days.

8. Can I serve oven-baked jambalaya with other dishes?

Absolutely! Jambalaya is a hearty and satisfying dish on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread, cornbread, or a side salad for a complete meal. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of freshness!

In Conclusion

Oven-baked jambalaya is a delicious and comforting dish that brings the flavors of New Orleans right to your kitchen. With its bold spices, tender meat, and perfectly cooked rice, it’s a dish that will impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and let the magic of jambalaya unfold!

Oven Baked Jambalaya

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Prep Time 45

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 45

Course Soups

Cuisine American

Servings

Ingredients

Â½ cup of butter
1 large onion , finely chopped
1 large green bell pepper , finely chopped
4 stalks of celery , finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic , minced
1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste
3 bay leaves
3 tablespoons of Creole seasoning blend (refer to the provided footnote for a recommended blend)
4 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
2 cans (28 ounces each) of whole peeled tomatoes
7 cups of chicken stock
3 cups of cooked ham , chopped
3 cups of cooked andouille sausage , sliced
3 cups of cooked chicken , cut into bite-sized pieces
3 cups of frozen cooked shrimp
4 cups of uncooked long-grain white rice

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large stock pot, melt the butter.
Saute the onion, green pepper, celery, and garlic until tender, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the tomato paste and cook until slightly browned, stirring constantly.
Stir in the bay leaves, Creole seasoning blend, and Worcestershire sauce.
Pour the mixture into a large roasting pan.
Squeeze the tomatoes to break them up into pieces, and add them to the pan.
Stir in the juice from the tomatoes, chicken stock, ham, sausage, chicken, shrimp, and rice. Mix well.
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours, stirring once halfway through baking time.
Remove the bay leaves before serving.