Bring the Bayou to Your Kitchen: Satisfying Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya Recipe

Photo byAngie Bright

Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya: A Hearty Dish with a Taste of Louisiana

Cajun cuisine has long been celebrated for its bold flavors and rich traditions. Originating from the heart of Louisiana, it brings together French, Spanish, and African influences, creating dishes that are both hearty and satisfying. One such dish, Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya, combines the warmth of jambalaya with a twist—cabbage. This one-pot meal is packed with spices, sausage, and vegetables, making it a wholesome, easy-to-make dinner that the entire family can enjoy.

A Fusion of Flavors

Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya delivers all the flavor you'd expect from a Cajun dish, but with the added benefit of cabbage, which brings a unique texture and a healthy twist. The spicy pork sausage adds a bold and smoky depth, while the rice and cabbage soak up the flavorful broth. With each bite, you’ll experience a combination of spicy, savory, and mildly sweet tastes from the tomatoes and bell pepper.

This dish is perfect for chilly evenings when you want something warm and comforting but still packed with a variety of flavors. The cabbage adds a heartiness, making this meal filling, while the blend of spices—paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper—brings the signature Cajun heat. Best of all, it’s a one-pot recipe that’s easy to throw together, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to feed a crowd.

Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spicy pork sausage
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 cup celery (chopped)
• 1 head green cabbage (chopped)
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1 cup uncooked brown basmati rice
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the pork sausage with the onion and garlic over medium heat until browned. Break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Stir in the green bell pepper and celery, cooking for another 3 minutes until the vegetables soften.
3. Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, water, and uncooked rice to the pan. Mix in the chili powder, salt, paprika, cumin, cayenne, and black pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the flavors are well combined.
5. Once ready, serve hot and enjoy the flavorful blend of sausage, cabbage, and Cajun spices.

A Dish That Brings Comfort and Flavor

This Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya brings a little piece of Louisiana to your dinner table. It's not just a dish, but an experience—a meal that fills your home with the smells of sizzling sausage and spicy aromas. It’s versatile too; you can adjust the spices to fit your family’s preferences or add other vegetables if you want to pack in more nutrients.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep, this recipe combines flavor and comfort in a way that only Cajun cuisine can. The combination of rice, sausage, and cabbage ensures that every bite is hearty and satisfying, while the spices provide a kick that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Sources:
AllRecipes - Cajun Sausage and Rice
Food Network - Classic Jambalaya Recipe