This authentic jambalaya recipe is a mouthwatering one-pot meal that is sure to bring back a flood of memories for anyone who has visited New Orleans.
There is simply no substitute for authentic New Orleans cooking. I could easily spend weeks tucked away in the kitchen whipping up some of my favorite New Orleans foods. Whether it’s Creole, Cajun, or any number of the scrumptious dishes that nobody does better, if it brings back those NOLA memories, I’m in!
I picked up this authentic Jambalaya Recipe while I was touring around New Orleans back in 2012. I first tasted it on one of my New Orleans food tours and loved it so much that I went back the next day to learn how to cook it.
This authentic jambalaya recipe is based on the Cajun cooking style. Unlike Creole recipes, like this authentic Creole seafood gumbo recipe, I posted the other week, Cajun cooking traditionally doesn’t use tomatoes within their recipes. Instead, they achieve their classic flavor through heavy use of thyme, paprika, and oregano.
What Is Jambalaya?
Jambalaya is a dish that instantly transports me back to the south. This rich and hearty dish combines rice, and either seafood or pork. It’s typically cooked with celery, pepper, onion, and a combination of herbs and spices to make a rich, creamy dish that will instantly set you at ease. The dish is most commonly compared to Spanish paella, so those familiar with Spanish cooking might find its style familiar.
Creole jambalaya uses tomatoes to create a delicious base. Many Cajun chefs though are offended by the idea of tomatoes coming anywhere near their jambalaya recipes. Instead, Cajun cooking uses a fatty and flavorful roux base that I’m particularly fond of.
Jambalaya is one of the most authentic New Orleans foods. And like many of these dishes, each family has their own recipe that they consider to be the best. Ask around about where to find the best jambalaya in New Orleans and the most common answer is usually “my Mama’s!”
Authentic Jambalaya Recipe Cajun Style
This authentic Cajun jambalaya recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s the type of meal that sticks with you and can help fuel you through a long day or act as comfort food for cold winter days where you’re looking for a heavier dish to keep you cozy.
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