Okay, let’s get right to it. There’s no way we’d be allowed to hold Cajun & Creole Cuisine Month without at least one jambalaya recipe. It’s a very old rule (which somebody just made up). It’s probably even illegal; or at least fattening. So, we’re doing jambalaya first.
First, the history. (You DO come by the Underground for history, right?) Jambalaya seems to have originated from the French word “jambon,” meaning ham, and an African word for rice: Aya. The dish has some connections to Spain’s paella. It’s poor-folk food, bayou fare, and can have almost anything in it. And I mean anything. This version has shrimp and sausage:
Not all jambalaya are the same. Some are very mild, some are a bit zesty, and then there’s this one. The chili oil is key to kicking this one up some notches. You can use red pepper flakes instead, or in addition (if you’re especially brave). Fortunately, rice tones down the zip a bit.
As for meats to go in the pot, you can try almost anything. (I’d hold off on the skunk and alligator, unless you really like those.) Chicken goes well in here, though I’d think you would want to tone down the heat a bit. Game birds work too, like dove, quail and pheasant. Fish will work, if you use something that’s a bit firmer that won’t fall apart by the end. Of course, crawdads are always welcome in jambalaya. (It’s a Cajun rule; gotta follow the rules.)
Speaking of game birds, here’s a story the great Justin Wilson used to tell. He was driving down a back-country road when he saw a young boy, shotgun on his shoulder, dragging a dead hawk along behind as he walked home. Justin asked, “What’re you gonna do with that hawk?” The boy says, “Take him home and make gumbo stew.” This intrigued Justin; he was a fine Cajun cook, so he wanted to know more. “You ever had hawk gumbo before?” The boy said sure. “What’s it taste like?” asked Justin. The boy thought for a moment, then said, “About like owl.”
The moral of the story? Well, if there IS one, it’s to make sure your jambalaya tastes the way YOU want…
Enjoy the (Spicy Jambalaya) Heat!
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