Recipes Products and Promotions Fun and Flavor About Zatarain's Food Service


Search Recipes

Select by type:

Advanced Search Advanced Search
Recipes  : Jambalaya

recipe photo

Jambalaya

Jambalaya is one of the most celebrated foods on Louisiana menus. The spicy concoction makes an appearance at virtually every festival in South Louisiana—especially the Jambalaya Festival in Gonzales, west of New Orleans, which calls itself the Jambalaya Capital of the World.

Similar to a Spanish paella, but feistier, jambalaya is made by cooking rice with almost any combination of meat, poultry, seafood, or game, along with peppers and other Creole seasonings. The name is believed to have come from the French word for ham, “jambon.” You can make a quick version by combining chicken, pork chops, ham, or shrimp with Zatarain’s Jambalaya Rice Mix. Our mixes are created with a built-in blend of authentic New Orleans-style spices, so it’s easy to whip up real jambalaya right in your own kitchen. All you need to do is add your favorite meat.

Jambalaya is great for entertaining since it’s easy to make in either small or large batches. Cajun and Creole cooks often prepare it outdoors in huge seafood boiling pots over propane burners.

An insider tip: Experiment with your favorite combinations of meat and seafood. Try chicken with sausage, or shrimp with ham. There’s no right or wrong combination, it’s whatever tastes good!

Whether you want to make jambalaya from scratch or let us do all the work, we’ve got the products and recipes you need right here.

> Carnival Jambalaya

Throwing a party, but you're pressed for time, then this dish is for you. It's quick, easy and is sure to satisfy a variety of appetites.
Rating: Prep time:5 min. Cook time:25 min.
> Fried Rice with Ham and Peas

This Asian favorite gets New Orleans flavor when you use Zatarain's® Jambalaya Mix. For well chilled rice, prepare the rice mixture a day ahead.
Rating: Prep time:10 min. Cook time:20 min.
> The Big Easy Jambalaya

This spicy, flavorful dish is perfect for a Mardi Gras party, and it really is “big easy.” The recipe can be easily doubled to serve 16 by using 2 packages of Jambalaya Mix, doubling all the other ingredients and cooking in a Dutch oven or saucepot.
Rating: Prep time:15 min. Cook time:35 min.
> Vegetable Jambalaya

Using you favorite vegetables instead of meat, this dish offers a lighter take on a New Orleans favorite.
Rating: Prep time:15 min. Cook time:25 min.
> Zatarain's® Jambalaya

For a delicious traditional New Orleans dinner dish, start with Zatarain's® Jambalaya Mix and add your choice of smoked sausage, chicken, ham or shrimp.
Rating: Prep time:5 min. Cook time:30 min.