Mardi Gras is a time to celebrate life, culture, and, of course, food. And what better way to honor this vibrant holiday than with a pot of Creole Jambalaya? This dish is a culinary embodiment of New Orleans – a city known for its lively parades, colorful masks, and rich Creole cuisine.
Packed with smoky sausage, tender chicken, plump shrimp, and fluffy rice, this Jambalaya is a festive feast that will transport you straight to the heart of the French Quarter.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through making a Mardi Gras-themed Creole Jambalaya that’s perfect for your Fat Tuesday celebration.
I’ll also share some of my favorite products to help you create the best possible version of this dish.
So, put on your beads, turn up the jazz music, and let’s get cooking!
Why Creole Jambalaya for Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is all about indulgence and celebration, and Creole Jambalaya is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
It’s a dish that reflects the cultural melting pot of New Orleans, combining French, Spanish, and African influences into one flavorful pot.
Plus, it’s easy to make in large quantities, making it perfect for feeding a hungry crowd during your Mardi Gras party.
But here’s the twist: our version of Creole Jambalaya is uniquely crafted for Mardi Gras. We’re adding a few festive touches, like colorful garnishes and optional add-ins, to make this dish as vibrant as the holiday itself.
Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a Mardi Gras tradition in your home.
Affiliate Disclosure: Kitchen tools and ingredients mentioned in this post have been carefully selected based on years of professional experience. Some links above and within the article are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. Rest assured, I only suggest or recommend kitchen essentials or things I use and trust in my own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Creole Jambalaya For Mardi Gras Day
Let’s start by gathering everything you’ll need. I’ve included some helpful links to some of my favorite products that will make this recipe even better.
For the Jambalaya:
- 1 lb Andouille sausage (sliced into rounds)
- One pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into bite-sized portions.
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced, for extra color)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 cups long-grain rice (uncooked)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Creole seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pro Tip: For the best flavor, use this high-quality Andouille sausage. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own Creole seasoning with this spice kit.
For the Garnish:
- Green onions (sliced)
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Purple cabbage (shredded, for a pop of Mardi Gras color)
- Yellow bell pepper (diced, for extra festivity)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup okra (sliced)
- 1/2 cup diced ham (for extra smokiness)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (for a pop of green)
Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Mardi Gras Themed Creole Jambalaya
Now that we’ve got everything ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a pot of Mardi Gras Creole Jambalaya that’s bursting with flavor and festivity.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Slice the sausage into rounds and set aside.
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp of Creole seasoning.
- Shell and clean the shrimp, removing the dark vein, and then keep them ready for the next step.
- Mince the onion, bell peppers, and celery, the essential aromatic trio known as the “holy trinity” in Creole kitchens.
- Mince the garlic and have all other ingredients measured and ready to go.
Pro Tip: A sharp chef’s knife will make prepping your ingredients a breeze.
Step 2: Saute the Sausage and Chicken
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the sausage slices to the pan and cook, allowing them to brown nicely for approximately 3 to 4 minutes (Remove and set aside).
- In the same pot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes followed by removing and setting aside with the sausage.
Step 3: Cook the Holy Trinity
Using the same pot, introduce the diced onion, bell peppers, and celery and cook them until they become tender, about 5 minutes.
Then, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, until you can smell its fragrant aroma.
Step 4: Build the Flavor Base
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, hot sauce, and remaining 1 tbsp Creole seasoning.
- Bring the mixture to a full boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Rice and Proteins
- Stir in the uncooked rice, sausage, and chicken. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Place a lid on the pot and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the majority of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 6: Add the Shrimp
- Gently fold in the shrimp and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- If using optional add-ins like okra or peas, add them at this stage.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the pot from the stovetop and allow it to sit undisturbed for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, chopped parsley, shredded purple cabbage, and diced yellow bell pepper for a festive Mardi Gras touch.
- Garnish with lemon wedges to provide a bright, citrusy counterpoint
Master This Mardi Gras Creole Jambalaya Recipe
To make this recipe even better, here are my secret tools:
- High-quality Andouille sausage: For the best smoky flavor.
- Creole seasoning spice kit: Perfect for making your own seasoning blend.
- Sharp chef’s knife: Essential for prepping ingredients quickly and safely.
- Dutch oven: Ideal for one-pot dishes like Jambalaya.
Final Thoughts
To be honest, this Mardi Gras Creole Jambalaya recipe captures the vibrant spirit of New Orleans in a single, festive dish.
By combining traditional ingredients like Andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp with colorful garnishes, the recipe transforms a classic one-pot meal into a celebration of culture and flavor.
Perfect for Fat Tuesday gatherings, this jambalaya not only satisfies hunger but also pays homage to the city’s rich culinary heritage.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a festive food enthusiast, this recipe promises to bring the excitement of Mardi Gras directly to your dining table.
