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Healthy Jambalaya Recipe

Healthy Jambalaya Recipe - Grandma's Tasty Recipes

Hi there! Welcome to my kitchen, a space where delicious meets nutritious, and today we’re whipping up a scrumptious batch of healthy jambalaya. This dish brings all the comforting flavors of traditional jambalaya while being fit for those on Whole30, low-carb, and paleo diets. Imagine sitting down to a warm, hearty bowl filled with aromatic spices, juicy shrimp, and zesty sausage. Not only does this meal make your taste buds dance, but it also supports your dietary goals without compromising on flavor.
As a registered dietitian and a self-proclaimed kitchen enthusiast, I’m excited to share my favorite version of jambalaya with you. Let’s dive right in!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 – 2½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend
  • 5 cups frozen riced cauliflower
  • 1 pound medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1½– ½ teaspoons salt
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 pound sausage, such as Aidell’s chicken-apple sausage, sliced
  • 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced about 1 ½ cups
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • ½ medium onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced about 1 ½ cups
  • Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
  • Louisiana hot sauce, to taste
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
  1. Start by gathering and prepping your ingredients. Chop your vegetables, mince the garlic, and ensure your shrimp is ready to go. The faster you can get this step done, the quicker you’ll enjoy your meal!
Step 2: Heat the Oil
  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. This will be the starting point for sautéing your flavors.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
  1. Add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. This step is vital since it builds the flavor foundation.
Step 4: Add Sausage
  1. Stir in the sliced sausage and cook for another 3–4 minutes. The sausage will release oils that will further enhance the dish.
Step 5: Incorporate Seasonings
  1. Sprinkle in the thyme, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt. Give everything a good stir, allowing the spices to bloom. The kitchen should begin smelling delightful at this point!
Step 6: Mix in Tomatoes and Broth
  1. Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and chicken broth. This mixture is where the magic happens, allowing everything to meld together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 7: Add Cauliflower Rice
  1. Stir in the riced cauliflower. Mix well until it’s combined with the other ingredients. Cover and let simmer for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 8: Add Shrimp
  1. When the cauliflower is tender, add the shrimp. Cook for another 5–7 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
  1. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and green onions. Feel free to drizzle on some Louisiana hot sauce if you like things spicy!

Notes

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your jambalaya turns out perfectly.
Customize Proteins: If shrimp isn't your favorite, use chicken or ground turkey instead.
Fresh vs. Frozen: While frozen cauliflower works well, fresh riced cauliflower can enhance texture.
Storage: This dish stores wonderfully, so make extra for meal prep!
Spice Levels: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat preference. You can always add more later!
Consistency: If the jambalaya is too dry, add a bit more broth as needed during cooking.