Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage

Jambalaya brings the spirit of Louisiana-style one-pot cooking to a practical rice dish, where long-grain rice absorbs a savoury base of tomatoes, stock, browned andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning. The familiar mix of onion, celery and green pepper gives it depth, while the sausage adds smoke, spice and richness as it cooks back into the pan. It is hearty without needing much alongside it, with tender grains, softened vegetables and a gently peppery finish from spring onions. Useful for a weeknight dinner or relaxed sharing meal, it also reheats well when loosened with a splash of stock.
Cuisine style Louisiana-style rice dish
Spice level Medium
Cooking style One-pot cooking • Meal prep friendly • Freezer-friendly
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • One-pot rice method: Browning the sausage, softening the vegetables and simmering the rice in the same casserole builds flavour while keeping the cooking streamlined.
  • Deep savoury base: Rendered andouille fat, softened aromatics, garlic and Cajun seasoning create a smoky, well-seasoned foundation before the stock is added.
  • Hearty texture: Long-grain rice absorbs the tomato-stock mixture as it cooks, giving the jambalaya a satisfying texture without becoming heavy.

Get the most out of this recipe

Adjust the heat

  • For a gentler version: Use a mild Cajun or Creole seasoning and choose a less peppery smoked sausage.
  • For more heat: Choose a hotter Cajun seasoning or add hot sauce at the table so each serving can be adjusted individually.
  • Keep the flavour balanced: If the seasoning tastes sharp or fiery, let the rice rest before serving and finish generously with spring onions for freshness.

Timing notes

  • Do not skip the rest: The covered 5-minute rest lets the rice finish steaming and absorb any remaining liquid.
  • Most work is at the start: Once the sausage is browned and the vegetables are softened, the rice cooks mostly hands-off over a low simmer.
  • Serve after fluffing: Fluff the rice just before serving so the grains separate rather than compacting in the pot.

Authenticity notes

  • Creole-leaning style: The use of tomatoes gives this jambalaya a Creole-leaning profile; many Cajun versions are cooked browner and without tomato.
  • Andouille flavour: Andouille brings the smoky, garlicky sausage character commonly associated with Louisiana-style jambalaya.
  • Home-style approach: This version keeps the dish simple with sausage, rice and vegetables rather than adding seafood or multiple proteins.

Make-ahead tips

  • Refrigerate portions: Cool quickly, then store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently: Warm with a splash of stock over low heat, stirring occasionally, until piping hot throughout.
  • Freeze for later: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Slice the sausage into rounds. Dice the onion, celery and green pepper, and finely chop the garlic. Thinly slice the spring onions and set them aside for serving.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large casserole over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until browned and the fat has rendered. Scoop the sausage onto a plate, leaving the fat in the pan.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion, celery and green pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until softened and starting to take on colour. Stir in the garlic and Cajun seasoning and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the rice and cook for 1 to 2 minutes so the grains are well coated. Tip in the tomatoes and pour in the chicken stock, then return the sausage to the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the base.
  5. Cover and simmer on low for 18 to 22 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If it looks dry before the rice is cooked, add a small splash of stock and continue cooking. Remove from the heat, cover again and rest for 5 minutes.
  6. Fluff the jambalaya with a spoon and taste for seasoning. Scatter over the spring onions and serve hot.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Keep the simmer very gentle so the rice cooks evenly without catching on the base; if your hob runs hot, use a heat diffuser or move the pot to a smaller ring.
  • For a deeper smoky flavour, let the sausage brown well before adding the vegetables, but do not let the fond burn.
  • If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, ensure the jambalaya is piping hot throughout before serving.

Substitutions

  • Replace Cajun seasoning with creole-seasoning for a slightly more herby, less peppery profile.
  • Replace chicken stock with vegetable stock for a lighter, less meaty base.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat in a saucepan with a splash of chicken stock over low heat, stirring, until piping hot; or microwave covered, stirring halfway through. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Total time: 50min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: American
  • Allergens:
    Celery
One pot Freezer friendly

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