Learn How To Bake The Perfect Cake

anytime jambalaya

  • Home
  • //anytime jambalaya
Pork

Anytime Jambalaya

This is a breakfasty spin on jambalaya that would be welcome as any meal of the day. Rather than using chicken or shrimp or alligator, I used bacon and eggs, classic breakfast staples. Everything is cooked in the same Dutch oven, though in several stages, so the flavors build throughout the creation of the dish. (Plus you only have one pot to scrub later!) The bacon is cooked first, then set aside to remain crispy. The eggs are cooked next, allowing them to absorb tiny residual bits of bacon, then set aside to remain fluffy.

Ingredients

  • 2 stalks celery
  • 1 large red bell pepper
  • 1 large onion
  • 3 medium garlic cloves
  • 12 ounces smoked bacon
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon Cajun or Creole seasoning (make sure it's a blend with salt), divided
  • 12 ounces andouille sausage
  • 1 14-ounce can low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • Water
  • 2 cups long grain rice
  • Salt (to taste)
  • 1/3 cup minced parsley
  • Louisiana hot sauce (to pass at the table)

Directions

  • Finely dice the celery, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. (Finer dice = more surface area = more flavor.) You can do so by hand or by pulsing in a food processor. If you go the food processor route, cut the veggies into 1 1/2 inch chunks first, make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl every couple of pulses, and do not make a veggie purée. Set aside.
  • Cut bacon crosswise into 1/4 to 1/3-inch slices. Place in a large Dutch oven with 1/2 cup water, then heat over medium, stirring occasionally until the water evaporates, the bacon fat renders, and the bacon becomes crisp, about 8 minutes.
  • While the bacon is cooking, combine the eggs and 1 teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning in a medium bowl, and beat lightly. Set aside. Slice the andouille sausage into 1/4-inch thick slices crosswise or on the bias. Set aside. Pour the chicken broth into a quart glass measure. Add the Worcestershire sauce and enough water to bring the total volume to 3 cups. Set aside.
  • Use slotted spoon to fish out the bacon, and transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Set aside. Pour most of the fat into a heat-proof container, leaving about 2 to 3 tablespoons in the Dutch oven. Reduce the heat to low, then add the eggs. Cook, scraping the bottom frequently, as for scrambled eggs. Once the eggs are cooked but still moist, transfer the eggs to a plate and set aside.
  • Add 2 tablespoons bacon fat to the pan, then the sausage and diced vegetables. Increase the heat to medium-high. Stir frequently, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water if needed to facilitate getting the bottom "clean." Once the vegetables have softened, add the rice and remaining tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Stir until the rice is coated with oil. Add the broth mixture, and bring to a boil. Carefully taste a small amount of the broth, and add salt if needed (this will depend on your seasoning blend). Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer until the rice is fully cooked, about 17 to 20 minutes, stirring once midway.
  • While the rice is cooking, mince the parsley. Once the rice is done, remove the pot from the heat. Fold in the bacon, eggs, and parsley. Cover and let sit for a couple of minutes so everything is heated through. Serve, accompanied by Louisiana hot sauce.

Add To Shopping List