How to Make a 5 Gallon Jambalaya Recipe for a Crowd

Hello, Good News! Welcome to our blog, where we share our passion for cooking and eating delicious food. Today, we are going to show you how to make a 5 gallon jambalaya recipe that is perfect for feeding a large group of people. Whether you are hosting a party, a family reunion, or a Mardi Gras celebration, this jambalaya recipe will satisfy everyone’s appetite and taste buds.

Jambalaya is a classic Louisiana dish that combines rice, meat, seafood, and vegetables in a flavorful one-pot meal. It has French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences, and it reflects the rich and diverse culture of New Orleans. There are many variations of jambalaya, but the most common ones are Creole jambalaya, which has tomatoes, and Cajun jambalaya, which does not. In this article, we will focus on the Cajun version, which is more savory and smoky.

What You Need to Make 5 Gallon Jambalaya

To make 5 gallon jambalaya, you will need a large pot that can hold at least 40 quarts of liquid. A cast-iron pot is ideal, as it distributes heat evenly and adds more flavor to the dish. You will also need a wooden spoon or spatula to stir the ingredients, a ladle to serve the jambalaya, and a cutting board and knife to chop the vegetables and meat.

As for the ingredients, you will need the following:

  • Rice: Long-grain white rice is the best choice for jambalaya, as it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the broth and seasonings. You will need about 12 cups of uncooked rice for this recipe.
  • Meat: The meat in jambalaya usually consists of pork, chicken, and sausage. For this recipe, you will need about 3 pounds of boneless pork, cut into cubes; 3 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes; and 3 pounds of andouille sausage, sliced into rounds. Andouille sausage is a smoked sausage that is typical of Cajun cuisine and adds a lot of spice and smokiness to the dish.
  • Seafood: Shrimp is the most common seafood in jambalaya, but you can also use crawfish, crab, or oysters if you prefer. You will need about 2 pounds of medium peeled and deveined shrimp for this recipe.
  • Vegetables: The vegetables in jambalaya are known as the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking: onion, celery, and green bell pepper. They provide the base flavor for the dish and add some crunch and color. You will need about 6 cups of chopped onion, 3 cups of chopped celery, and 3 cups of chopped green bell pepper for this recipe. You will also need about 6 cloves of garlic, minced.
  • Liquid: The liquid in jambalaya is usually a combination of chicken stock and beef stock, which gives the dish more depth and richness. You will need about 6 quarts of chicken stock and 6 quarts of beef stock for this recipe. You can use store-bought or homemade stock.
  • Seasonings: The seasonings in jambalaya are what make it so flavorful and spicy. You will need salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (such as Tabasco), and file powder. File powder is a seasoning made from dried sassafras leaves that thickens the dish and adds a distinctive flavor. You can find it in specialty stores or online.

How to Make 5 Gallon Jambalaya Step by Step

Making 5 gallon jambalaya is not difficult, but it does require some time and attention. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Season the meat

In a large bowl, toss the pork and chicken with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano. Mix well to coat the meat evenly with the spices. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the sausage

In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat some oil and cook the sausage slices until browned on both sides. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your pot. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the vegetables

In the same pot, add more oil if needed and cook the onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Add the rice and liquid

Add the rice to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken stock and beef stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the rice is almost tender, about 20 minutes.

Step 5: Add the meat and seafood

Add the pork, chicken, shrimp, sausage, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and file powder to the pot. Stir well to mix everything together. Cover the pot and cook over low heat until the meat and seafood are cooked through and the rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Discard the bay leaves.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy

Ladle the jambalaya into large bowls and garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or cornbread and a green salad on the side. You can also offer more hot sauce for those who like it extra spicy.

5 Gallon Jambalaya Nutrition Facts

One serving of 5 gallon jambalaya (about 1 cup) has approximately:

Calories Fat Carbs Protein
390 21 g 23 g 26 g

Jambalaya is a high-calorie dish that is rich in protein, fat, and carbohydrates. It also provides some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, iron, calcium, and potassium. However, it is also high in sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat, which can have negative effects on your health if consumed in excess. Therefore, it is best to enjoy jambalaya in moderation and balance it with other nutritious foods.

Jambalaya Health Benefits

Jambalaya may have some health benefits, depending on the ingredients you use and how you prepare it. Here are some possible benefits of jambalaya:

It can boost your immune system

Jambalaya contains garlic, onion, bell pepper, and hot sauce, which are all sources of antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and infections. Garlic and onion also have antibacterial and antiviral properties that can protect you from common colds and flu. Hot sauce contains capsaicin, which can stimulate blood circulation and clear nasal congestion.

It can support your muscle growth and repair

Jambalaya is a high-protein dish that can help you build and maintain muscle mass. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, as well as for other bodily functions such as hormone production and immune response. Jambalaya provides protein from different sources, such as pork, chicken, shrimp, and sausage, which can offer a variety of amino acids that your body needs.

It can provide you with energy

Jambalaya is a high-carbohydrate dish that can provide you with energy for your physical and mental activities. Carbohydrates are the main source of fuel for your brain and muscles. Jambalaya contains rice, which is a complex carbohydrate that can keep you full and satisfied for longer. It also contains simple carbohydrates from tomatoes and sugar in some seasonings, which can give you a quick boost of energy.

Jambalaya FAQ

What is the difference between Creole jambalaya and Cajun jambalaya?

The main difference between Creole jambalaya and Cajun jambalaya is the use of tomatoes. Creole jambalaya has tomatoes in it, which gives it a reddish color and a slightly sweet flavor. Cajun jambalaya does not have tomatoes in it, which makes it browner and more savory.

What kind of rice should I use for jambalaya?

The best kind of rice to use for jambalaya is long-grain white rice. This type of rice cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the broth and seasonings well. It also has a fluffy texture that does not stick together or become mushy.

How do I make vegetarian or vegan jambalaya?

To make vegetarian or vegan jambalaya, you.need to replace the meat and seafood with plant-based alternatives, such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, mushrooms, beans, or lentils. You can also add more vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, corn, or peas. You will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount depending on the type and quantity of the ingredients you use. You will also need to use vegetable stock instead of chicken and beef stock, and omit the Worcestershire sauce and file powder, which are not vegan-friendly. You can substitute them with soy sauce and gumbo file, which are similar in flavor.

How do I store and reheat leftover jambalaya?

To store leftover jambalaya, you need to let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat jambalaya, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding some water or stock if needed to prevent it from drying out.

How do I make jambalaya in a slow cooker?

To make jambalaya in a slow cooker, you need to follow the same steps as above until step 4. Instead of adding the rice and liquid to the pot, you need to transfer the cooked vegetables to a 6-quart slow cooker. Then, add the rice, chicken stock, beef stock, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and file powder and stir well. Place the pork, chicken, and sausage on top of the rice mixture and cover with the lid. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. About 15 minutes before serving, add the shrimp and stir well. Cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

How do I make jambalaya in an Instant Pot?

To make jambalaya in an Instant Pot, you need to follow the same steps as above until step 4. Instead of adding the rice and liquid to the pot, you need to transfer the cooked vegetables to a 6-quart Instant Pot. Then, add the rice, chicken stock, beef stock, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and file powder and stir well. Place the pork, chicken, and sausage on top of the rice mixture and do not stir. Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes and then do a quick release. Carefully open the lid and add the shrimp. Stir well and close the lid again. Let it sit for 10 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

What can I serve with jambalaya?

Jambalaya is a hearty and filling dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with some side dishes. Some of the common side dishes that go well with jambalaya are:

  • Crusty bread or cornbread: These are great for soaking up the juices and adding some extra carbs.
  • Green salad: A fresh and crisp salad can balance out the richness and spiciness of jambalaya.
  • Coleslaw: A creamy and tangy coleslaw can complement the flavors and textures of jambalaya.
  • Corn on the cob: A sweet and juicy corn on the cob can add some color and crunch to your plate.
  • Collard greens: A classic Southern side dish that can provide some greens and vitamins.

What are some variations of jambalaya?

Jambalaya is a versatile dish that can be adapted to your preferences and availability of ingredients. Here are some ideas for variations of jambalaya:

  • Creole jambalaya: As mentioned above, this is a version of jambalaya that has tomatoes in it. You can use canned tomatoes or tomato paste to add some color and sweetness to your dish.
  • Seafood jambalaya: This is a version of jambalaya that only uses seafood as the protein source. You can use any combination of shrimp, crawfish, crab, oysters, clams, mussels, scallops, or fish that you like.
  • Chicken and sausage jambalaya: This is a simple version of jambalaya that only uses chicken and sausage as the meat source. You can use any kind of chicken (breast, thigh, drumstick) or sausage (andouille, chorizo, kielbasa) that you prefer.
  • Vegetable jambalaya: This is a version of jambalaya that only uses vegetables as the main ingredients. You can use any vegetables that you have on hand, such as carrots, zucchini, corn, peas, mushrooms, spinach, kale, or broccoli.
  • Cheesy jambalaya: This is a version of jambalaya that has cheese in it. You can add some shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, or cream cheese to your dish to make it more creamy and cheesy.

What is the origin of jambalaya?

Jambalaya is a dish that originated in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the 18th century. It is believed that it was inspired by the Spanish dish paella, which is a rice dish with meat and seafood. However, since saffron, which is a key ingredient in paella, was not available in Louisiana, the locals used tomatoes instead to give the dish some color and flavor. The word jambalaya comes from the Provençal word “jambalaia”, which means “a mishmash” or “a mix-up”.

How do you pronounce jambalaya?

The correct way to pronounce jambalaya is “jam-buh-LIE-uh”. The stress is on the second syllable, and the last syllable rhymes with “pie”. Some people may also pronounce it as “jam-buh-LAY-uh”, but this is less common.

How do you spell jambalaya?

The correct way to spell jambalaya is “jambalaya”. Some common misspellings are “jumbalaya”, “jambalya”, “jumbalya”, or “jambalaia”.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this article on how to make a 5 gallon jambalaya recipe for a crowd. Jambalaya is a delicious and satisfying dish that can feed a lot of people and please everyone’s palate. It is easy to make and customize according to your preferences and availability of ingredients. It is also a great way to use up any leftovers you may have in your fridge or pantry. Try making this 5 gallon jambalaya recipe for your next gathering and impress your guests with your cooking skills.

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