Jambalaya Toaster Oven

This jambalaya was adapted from a recipe found on the internet. The original recipe calls for a Dutch oven; Since I don’t have a Dutch oven or conventional oven, I’ve made adjustments for the equipment I do have. I used a toaster oven and a 9″ diameter round glass pan. Start by sautéing the meats and vegetables in a pot on the stove; you can use a skillet or anything with enough surface space to brown the meats. After cooking on the stovetop, all the ingredients are transferred to a saucepan before going into the toaster oven.

The original recipe called for ham and shrimp; I only used chicken and sausage so everything would fit together. The first time I made this jambalaya, I used a whole cup of rice and a whole cup of chicken broth. I have since cut back on these two ingredients, and it still makes a lot of rice.

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can substitute cayenne pepper or make your own seasoning blend using the instructions below. The following recipe makes about 3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. You can reduce the spices according to your preferences.

cajun seasoning

Mix the following ingredients together and use them in jambalaya or other dishes.

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

• pinch of thyme

• pinch of basil

Jambalaya

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

• 1 chicken thigh, cut into small pieces

• 1/2 pound kielbasa, sliced

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 bay leaf

• 1/2 cup converted or parboiled rice

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• one 14 oz can diced tomatoes

• 2-3 teaspoons cajun seasoning

1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pot or skillet. Add chicken and cook for 4 minutes per side. Set the chicken aside. Add the kielbasa and brown both sides, 3 minutes. Set aside.

2. Add the rest of the olive oil. Add the onion, celery, and garlic and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes. Add bell pepper, bay leaf, rice, broth, tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning. Replace the meats. Bring to a boil Preheat toaster oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Transfer the contents of the pot to a saucepan. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes. Remove the bay leaf before serving.