Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya

Description

Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya is a hearty, one-pot dish packed with bold flavors from the South. This twist on traditional jambalaya swaps rice for cabbage, creating a low-carb and nutrient-rich meal without sacrificing the smoky, spicy essence of classic Cajun cuisine. Filled with sausage, ground meat, and aromatic spices, it’s perfect for a comforting family dinner.

Origin

Jambalaya originates from Louisiana, combining Spanish and French culinary influences with local ingredients. This cabbage version is a popular variation among low-carb eaters while maintaining the essence of Cajun cooking.

Ingredients Quantity

• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 pound ground beef or ground pork
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Ingredients Optional

• ½ teaspoon onion powder (for extra flavor)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for extra depth)
• 1 bay leaf (for added aroma)
• ½ cup shredded cheese (for a creamy finish)

Instructions

1. Brown the Meats: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, then drain excess fat.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Cabbage & Seasonings: Stir in chopped cabbage, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Simmer the Jambalaya: Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.
5. Combine & Finish: Return the smoked sausage to the pot and stir everything together. Let cook for another 5 minutes to blend flavors.
6. Serve Hot: Remove from heat and serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Tips for Success

• Use Andouille sausage for an authentic smoky flavor.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning based on spice preference.
• Let the dish sit for 10 minutes after cooking for flavors to meld.

Recommendations

• Serve with cornbread or a side of hot sauce.
• Pair with a crisp green salad for balance.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days—flavors improve overnight!

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 350
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 6g

Would you like a vegetarian or slow-cooker version?