Jambalaya Soup

 Here's a hearty and flavorful recipe for Jambalaya Soup, inspired by the classic Cajun dish:

---

Ingredients

Proteins & Meat

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 lb andouille sausage, sliced

1/2 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced

1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables

1 medium onion, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

2 stalks celery, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

Broth & Seasonings

6 cups chicken broth

1 cup tomato sauce

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

2 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning

Salt and black pepper to taste

Grains

1 cup long-grain white rice (or cooked rice, see instructions below)

Optional Garnishes

Fresh parsley, chopped

Green onions, sliced

Hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)

---

Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage and Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

In the same pot, add the diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside with the sausage.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Add onion, bell peppers, and celery to the pot. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Build the Soup Base

Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, and Cajun seasoning. Stir well.

4. Cook the Rice

Add uncooked rice directly to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and let cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

If using pre-cooked rice, add it during Step 5.

5. Add the Proteins

Return the cooked sausage and chicken to the pot. Add the shrimp and simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.

6. Taste and Adjust

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun spice if needed.

7. Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, and a dash of hot sauce if desired.

---

Tips

For a gluten-free version, ensure your sausage and Cajun seasoning are certified gluten-free.

Leftovers can thicken as the rice absorbs more liquid—add extra broth when reheating.

Add okra or zucchini for an extra vegetable boost.

Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Jambalaya Soup!