Jambalaya (Dollar Store)

Everything here can come from a Dollar Store - and it cooks in a microwave. It's perfect for a quick potluck contribution.

Try the Supreme Version, with additional / fresh ingredients, for a special dish.

This is perfect. to "celebrate" the first day of winter.

>> See it done!

>> Supreme Version


Ingredients
  • Jambalaya Mix, 8 oz
  • Chicken, 2 x 8 oz sandwiches
  • Chili powder, 1 t
  • Curry powder, 1 t
  • Garlic, 1 clove, minced
  • Ginger powder, 1 t
  • Mushroom pieces, 10 oz can / jar
  • Onions, chopped and dried, 2 T
  • Red pepper strips, 10 oz jar / diced pimento peppers, 4 oz jar
  • Rotel tomatoes / green chilies, 10 oz can
  • Water, 3 C
  • Salsa, 4 oz

Preparation
  1. Remove chicken patties from sandwiches, chop chicken into 1/4" cubes.
  2. Mix Jambalaya mix, chopped chicken, chopped onion, spices.
  3. Add water.
  4. Microwave mix etc 10 minutes, on high.
  5. Add 1/2 to 3/4 each of the veggies.
  6. Microwave 30 - 40 minutes, on high - 10 minutes at a time, stirring each 10 minutes.
  7. When all liquid is absorbed by the rice, the jambalaya is done. Cover, and let it sit 10 - 15 minutes to thicken.
  8. Add remainder of veggies, and salsa. Mix well.
  9. Let it cool slightly, and serve.
  10. Have lots of cold beer, soft beverages, and / or water ready.




Supreme Version
  • Substitute 8 oz fresh ground turkey - for chicken sandwiches.
  • Add 6 - 8 oz canned shellfish (clams, oysters, scallops).
  • Substitute 1 medium fresh onion, diced - for dried onions.
  • Added / substituted ingredients may overfill the typical microwave casserole dish. Cook in a dutch oven on stovetop, instead of in microwave - it is much easier to stir ingredients when cooking in a stovetop pot.
  • Saute the meat - then the garlic, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes - in that order - before adding rice and spices.




See it Done!

Jambalaya Mix, spices, water, vegs, chicken.


Add spices, and water.


Add vegs, and chicken.


Cook until no water is visible.


Stir once more. Mix everything lovingly.


Cover, and leave alone for 15 minutes.


Stir once more - and serve. Some sourdough bread - and a nice red wine (or apple / mango juice) - are perfect accompaniments.