Dutch Oven Jambalaya from Famous Cajun Chef Paul Prudhomme

Welcome to The Storied Recipe, a podcast about food, culture, and love.

This recipe comes from my podcast guests, John and Rebekah Leekely, Emmy-award-winning TV writers. John learned all the nuances of making the perfect Cajun Dutch Oven Jambalaya recipe from long conversations with Paul Prudhomme at a tiny corner table in his famous New Orleans restaurant, Commander's Palace. 

The recipe was born one evening when John was taken by a local to a restaurant for locals only, deep in the swamps of Cajun country. Later, during repeated visits back to New Orleans for the annual Jazz Festival, John befriended famed chef Paul Prudhomme who taught him where to source the best ingredients and the proper techniques for an authentic Cajun Jambalaya.

The resulting Jambalaya is ultra high-end, worthy of a place at Commander's Palace. Really good to learn from and delicious beyond reckoning. However, in this recipe, I've also suggested the adjustments that I make for a cheaper, quicker Jambalaya with ingredients that are easier to source.

For me and my whole family, *this* Dutch Oven Jambalaya is the BEST we've ever had - or can imagine. It's rich, meaty and the flavors are complicated: layered, deep, spicy, and bold. 

You can try this for Mardi Gras, but for me, it's a go-to when I need to make a recipe for a huge crowd! This family-sized Jambalaya is easily adaptable for a crowd of 30, 50, or even 100. 

P.S. Have lots of questions about Jambalaya? Try reading these posts Confusing: Creole vs. Cajun and Jambalaya vs. Everything. Or check out my round-up post What to Serve with Jambalaya: 59 Sides which also answers many frequently asked questions about Jambalaya.

Listen to John and Rebekah's Story

John and Rebekah Leekely discuss cooking for their large blended family, expert tips on making Jambalaya, and the African, Caribbean, and French influence on Cajun & Creole cooking. 

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Ingredients: What goes in Cajun Jambalaya?

Best rice choice?

• Long-grain rice is grown in Louisiana, so that's the authentic option. 
• Long-grain rice is also very cheap. On a dish that loads up on proteins, it makes sense to save a little on the rice. 
• Zatarain's boxed Jambalaya uses parboiled rice and it may be a good idea for you to consider parboiled also (although I don't suggest you use their boxed mix, as you'll be adding your own seasonings.)
• Parboiled rice stays firmer and retains more vitamins & minerals than fully hulled rice, both advantages, in my opinion. For more information about the parboiling process, I highly recommend this post from Mahatma Rice.

Top tomato choice? 

• Paul Prudhomme's Jambalaya is a Creole Jambalaya, which is popular in New Orleans and calls for tomatoes. However, as John says, while the tomatoes are a critical part of this dish, they aren't the star.
• In our interview, John explained at length why Cento certified San Marzano tomatoes are the only tomatoes he uses. Grown in a particular region of Italy, these tomatoes are less watery and more pulpy than others
• If you choose to use other tomatoes, whether fresh or canned, you can replicate this advantage by discarding extra juice or seeds
• If you like more tomato flavor, I recommend adding extra tomato paste rather than extra tomato sauce

Does Jambalaya have okra?

• The best answer I can give to this question is, "Not Paul Prudhomme's jambalaya; not this jambalaya."
• However, there are infinite variations on this particular dish, and if you want to add it - by all means, add it.

Chicken Stock vs. Seafood Stock

• The stock you choose will have a significant impact on the taste
• John, based on his conversations with Chef Prudhomme, makes a combination of stocks from the shells of the seafood included in his dish and chicken.
• Frankly, I make a cheaper and quicker version of this Jambalaya with shrimp as the only seafood and chicken stock from Costco. I'm sure it makes a difference in the outcome, but that's what I do at this phase in my life.

Substitutions for 4 Proteins

Seafood

• In John's ultra high-end Jambalaya, he calls for 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp, 1 whole crab, and 1 pound crawfish, langostino, or oysters. He uses the discarded shells to make broth for the Jambalaya
• For me, I use a 2lb bag of Costco shelled and deveined shrimp to save time and money.
• If you want to save time by buying pre-shelled shrimp and still include seafood broth flavor, you can use this Bar Harbor Seafood Broth.

Pork 

• Without a doubt, the most authentic New Orleans Jambalaya will use Tasso Ham.
• Tasso Ham is actually cured pork shoulder seasoned with a spicy Cajun spice mixture.
• If you don't have time or money to source Tasso Ham, cook your own pork shoulder - but make sure you season with 1/3 of John's Cajun mixture before cooking 

Chicken

• Definitely choose thighs, not chicken breasts. So much more flavor in the thighs!
• John's recipe calls for chopping the thighs into pieces, and then cooking in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The advantage of this method is that you'll add those delicious chicken flavors to the pan. 
• For me, I like to grill the thighs over an open flame or charcoal briquettes. I love the grilled flavor in the meat and I like that I can prep in advance.

Sausage

• Andouille sausage is the gold standard here! It's spicy and authentic. 
• You can also use smoked sausage. I use that often also. 
• I usually cook the sausage first to get all that delicious flavor in the pan and impart it to all the other ingredients.

Surprise: 

• In our interview, John makes the controversial statement that the Holy Trinity of Cajun cooking does NOT contain green pepper! 
• Instead, John says Chef Prudhomme included red pepper, which is a choice I enjoy 

File Powder

• This powder comes from the Sassafras plant and has a sort of sweet, herby flavor. 
• It was discovered and refined by Native Americans in Louisiana and represents their influence on this dish.
• I believe its an essential flavor that sets the Jambalaya apart

Cajun Seasoning Spices

• Read Paul/John's mix carefully and don't skimp - for me, this is what makes this a great recipe
• No red pepper flakes

Instructions

• Although this is a super high-end recipe (with modifications from me), Dutch oven Jambalaya is essentially a one-pot meal 
• In fact, using just one pot is a critical part of the success - all the flavors mix and mingle from the very beginning.
• If you're cooking a pork shoulder or grilling the chicken, you can start the prep work the night before. I usually make a HUGE pot of this recipe, enough for 30-50 people, and it helps to start the night before. 

Equipment

• It's essential to have a really LARGE enameled Dutch Oven for this recipe.
• Cast Iron Dutch Oven vs. Large Enameled Dutch Oven - Some prefer cast iron because it can be seasoned and add flavor to every dish. However, cast iron pans require a lot of care and specialty tools. Enameled cast iron pots can be cared for with more traditional methods and tools.
• When I make a REALLY big serving of this dish, I use an absolutely GIANT roasting pan, like this one. 
• You'll need a good slotted spoon to get proteins and vegetables from the pan while leaving the juices and flavor behind.
• A large stockpot (optional)

Storage & Reheating

• Yes! Jumbalaya is easy to store! You can refrigerate it up to a week and freeze it up to 6 months. 
• To freeze, I like to place the leftovers in a foil pan and cover tightly with plastic wrap, then foil.
• When ready to eat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight. 
• Remove the plastic wrap, add broth, replace the foil, and slowly reheat in the oven at 250 for about an hour. 
• If you don't have time to defrost, no problem - just plan to heat gently in the oven for 90-120 minutes.

More Recipes from the American South

Food safety

Food Safety working with Shrimp:

• Thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
• Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw shrimp away from other ingredients and surfaces.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw shrimp.

Food safety when working with chicken:

• Keep chicken refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below until it's time to cook.
• Thoroughly cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safe to eat.
• Wash hands and any utensils that come into contact with raw chicken before touching other ingredients.

This is a one-pot meal, so use separate utensils or wash thoroughly between handling different ingredients to avoid cross-contamination.

Cook the Jambalaya to an internal minimum temperature of 165°F (74°C) - Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the Jambalaya.

When freezing/reheating:

• Divide leftovers into smaller portions for even reheating.
• Reheat Jambalaya to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)

Recipe

Dutch Oven Jambalaya (Authentic Cajun Recipe from Paul Prudhomme)

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

An authentic one pot Cajun Dutch Oven Jambalaya, born one magical night in the Bayou and perfected by John Leekely in long talks with famed chef, Paul Prudhomme.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Cajun Seasoning

(Multiply by 1.5 if using to roast pork shoulder. Multiply generously for a larger crowd and more proteins and rice. Don't skimp!)

• 2 teaspoons Gumbo filé powder
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon smoked hot Spanish paprika (or chili powder)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
• 2 teaspoons salt (only 1 if you are using smoked meats)
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard powder
• 2 teaspoons ground white pepper

PROTEINS OPTION 1 - John's Authentic High-End Version from Paul Prudhomme

• 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp. Boil the shells for 2 hour in 4 cups of water to make broth.
• 1 whole crab - save shells for broth
• 1 pound crawfish, langostino, or oysters - save shells for broth
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, free-range, air-chilled, chopped into 1x1 inch slices
• 1/2 pound Tasso ham (or smoked ham hocks or cooked pork shoulder, roasted with 1/3 of the Cajun seasoning or spicy sausage)
• 1 pound smoked Andouille sausage

OR PROTEINS OPTION 2 - My Cheaper, Less Authentic, Easier to Source Version

• 2 pounds peeled and deveined shrimp from Costco
• 4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, grilled
• 1-2 pounds (or more, if you're making for a huge crowd) *cooked* pork shoulder. When making for a big crowd, I generally keep the other proteins amounts the same and simply add more pork. Follow directions below to cook the night before.
• 1 pound smoked sausage

Broth

• 2 cups broth from boiled down shrimp, crab, crawfish, or lobster
• OR 2 cups clam broth
• OR Bar Harbor Seafood Stock
• OR 2 cups chicken broth

Vegetable Mixture

• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 5 stalks of celery, sliced thick
• 5 large cloves of garlic, crushed, DIVIDED
• 1 large can of Cento-certified San Marzano tomatoes, including the juices
• 1/2 cup olive oil (you can also use 1/4 cup olive oil and 1/4 cup duck fat), DIVIDED
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups long-grain white rice (*See Note 1 about multiplying for a bigger crowd)
• 5 -6 bay leaves

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Instructions

Cue Up The Episode!

Make sure to listen to John and Rebekah on The Storied Recipe Podcast, "Time in The Kitchen: What We Will Remember Always with John and Rebekah Leekley" while you make their Jambalaya!

Make The Recipe

Make Cajun Spice Mix

1. You'll be using this mix throughout the cooking process, so prepare it first

Prepare Seafood

1. Shell and devein as necessary
2. If making your own seafood broth, add shells to 4-8 cups of water (enough to cover the shells in a stockpot)
3. Boil for 2 hours

If Preparing Pork in Advance

1. Use 1/3 of the Cajun seasoning to cover the pork. Place in Dutch oven or large roasting pan. Cover with lid or foil.
2. Do not add any liquid.
3. Roast at 250 for 8-12 hours until completely fork tender.
4. Once cool, discard of large fatty sections.

Chop Vegetables For Vegetable Mixture

1. Shop into similar sized pieces.

If Grilling Thighs

1. Salt and pepper the boneless chicken thighs. Let sit until room temperature.
2. Grill until just barely pink. Do not overcook.
3. Let sit until the juices reabsorb.
4. Cut them into 1 ½ inch chunks and save juices.
5. *Make jumbalaya in one Dutch Oven
6. Cut chicken thighs into 1 1/2 inch chunks and salt and pepper.
7. Over medium heat, warm up half of the olive oil (and duck fat, if using).
8. Crush in half the garlic, add the chicken.
9. Sprinkle on ⅓ of the Cajun seasoning and fry the chicken until seared.
10. Add the sausage and fry until the chicken is ⅔ cooked.
11. Remove the meats, cover, and set aside.
12. In a big bowl, using your hands, combine all of the shrimp/shellfish. Sprinkle on ⅓ of the Cajun seasoning, mixing well.
13. In the same pan as before, gently fry the shellfish on low heat until the shrimp just starts to plump and absorb all of the seasonings. Remove, cover, and put aside.
14. In the same Dutch Oven, warm up the rest of the olive oil and duck fat and crush the remaining garlic into the warm oils and heat until the garlic melts in.
15. Increasing the heat to medium-high, sauté the uncooked, rinsed rice, stirring constantly until slightly browned and coated with seasoned oils. This will take about five minutes.
16. Remove the rice and set aside. In the same big pan, sauté the onions in the same oils until opaque. Add the bell peppers, celery, and the rest of the Cajun seasoning and fry until just softened, about 10 minutes.
17. Add back the rice and meats, stir in all the broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. Be sure to scrape all the crust off the bottom of the pan, that’s where the deep flavors and patina are.
18. Simmer with the lid off until the rice has absorbed the broth but it is still slightly crunch, about 15 minutes.
19. IF making a double batch for a crowd, mix them all together in a large roasting pan. Cover well and place in 350°F / 175°C oven for 30+ minutes.
20. Now add the shellfish and tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes until they are married.
21. If rice is not cooking through, add more broth.

Notes

• Note 1: When multiplying for a crowd, add 1/2 lb of uncooked rice and 1 cup broth for every pound of protein.
• Make sure to listen to John and Rebekah on The Storied Recipe Podcast, Episode 041: Time in The Kitchen: What We Will Remember Always with John and Rebekah Leekley while you make their Jambalaya.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Chicken, Main Dish, Pork Dishes
• Cuisine: Seafood, Southern Cooking

Nutrition

• Calories: 300