Shrimp Jambalaya

Last night some of my favorite cousins came over for dinner! I knew I would be busy all day so I decided to throw something together in the crock pot.  It turned out amazing and only took 10 minutes to prep.  It was on the spicy side, so if you or your family does not like spicy, you will want to omit the cayenne from the recipe.  It will still be filled with wonderful flavor!  It is best served with a spoon so you can get every last bite of the delicious sauce.  I served the jambalaya with a side salad of organic mixed greens, mushrooms and balsamic vinaigrette. We did not eat rice with this meal like traditional jambalaya is served, however you can serve it over brown rice or quinoa.  Purchase all organic ingredients, if possible.

When we use canned tomatoes, we purchase Muir Glen Organic Diced Tomatoes, No Salt because the lining of their cans are produced without BPA. “The resin linings of tin cans contain bisphenol-A, or BPA, a synthetic estrogen that has been linked to ailments ranging from reproductive problems to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Studies show that the BPA in most people’s bodies exceeds the amount that suppresses sperm production or causes chromosomal damage to the eggs of animals. You can get 50 micrograms of BPA per liter out of a tomato can, and that’s a level that is going to impact people, particularly the young. Choose tomatoes in glass bottles (which do not need resin linings), such as the brands Eden Organic and Bionaturae. You can also get several types in Tetra Pak boxes, such as Trader Joe’s and Pomi.” http://www.rodale.com/food-ingredients-avoid

Here is a great reference for BPA free canned food brands: http://bpafreecannedfood.wordpress.com/bpa-free-canned-food-brands/
Here is a BPA Canned Food Pocket Guide to take with you to the store: http://bpafreecannedfood.wordpress.com/bpa-free-pocket-guide/

The Breast Cancer Fund and Silent Spring Institute found that BPA levels in families who ate fresh instead of canned or plastic-packaged food for THREE days dropped by 60%!

Here is a breakdown of the ingredients and why they are good for you:

– Organic Chicken: Good source of protein with no presence of antibiotics. Organic chicken contains ten times more omega-3s.
Andouille Sausage: Rich in protein, each 76 g sausage link contains 10 g of protein. This was a treat for us and I don’t recommend eating this often because it is high in fat. Remember to keep an eye out for sausage without nitrites.
Diced Tomatoes: Good for your skin & hair, helps prevent several types of cancer, helps maintain strong bones, provieds essentail antioxidants, good for your heart, great source of Vitamin C and beta carotene, good for your eyes. 
- Onion: Prevents cardiovascular disease, dissolves blood clots, lowers risk of developing cancer, fights against infections, improves lung functions in asthmatics, helps detoxify the body, lowers triglycerides, reduces blood pressure.
Green Pepper: Prevents cells from damages, improves teeth & gums health, improves immune system, protects from free radicals, lowers risks of some cancers, improves iron absorption, improves lung health, supports brain function, provides healthy energy, supports healthy skin.
Celery: Promotes a healthy immune system, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, detoxifying, good for the heart, good for the skin.
Oregano: Anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, treats allergies, soothes skin ailments, fights respiratory illness, treats lung and sinus congestion, soothes muscle aches and pains, lessens menstrual cramps, immune booster.
Parsley: Anti-oxidants, inhibits tumor formation, neutralizes carcinogens, prevents artery buildup.
Thyme: Anti-bacterial, cancer fighter, immune booster.
Shrimp: Helps fight cancer, keeps skin, hair and nails healthy, helps prevent anemia, boosts energy, helps build strong bones, helps process fats, helps fight depression, helps promote prostate health, keeps thyroid healthy, helps stabilize blood sugar levels. “Shrimp are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which starve tumor cells and help fight cancer. Studies show that eating 8 or 9 shrimp a day can reduce your breast cancer risk. Instead of shrimp, you can substitute any seafood high in omega-3 fatty acids; options include salmon, haddock, flounder and sardines.” – Dr. Oz

Shrimp Jambalaya

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours, 10 minutes

Number of servings: 6

See Detailed Nutrition Info on

Shrimp Jambalaya

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 lb andouille sausage, slice (make sure your sausage if nitrite free!)
  • 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped (white, yellow or red will work)
  • 1 green pepper
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tsp fresh oregano, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp homemade Cajun seasoning (recipe below)
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 1 lb shrimp, spine and tails removed

Instructions

  1. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker except for the shrimp.
  2. Stir gently so that everything is mixed and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or low for 7-8 hours.
  3. In the remaining 30 minutes of cook time, add the shrimp.

Notes:

This recipe specifies using fresh herbs. However, sometimes fresh herbs aren't available, or it just isn't practical to buy a bunch when only a teaspoon is needed. In such cases, dried herbs can usually be substituted. To do so, use 1/3 the amount of dried herb called for in the recipe. For example, substitute 1 teaspoon of dried herb for 1 tablespoon of fresh herb. When substituting a ground herb for dried leaf herb, use about half of the amount of the dried leaf herb called for in the recipe. Add the dried herb to a recipe at the beginning of the cooking time; this allows its flavors to seep into the dish.

Emeril's Essence Creole Seasoning

See Detailed Nutrition Info on

Shrimp Jambalaya

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 lb andouille sausage, slice (make sure your sausage if nitrite free!)
  • 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped (white, yellow or red will work)
  • 1 green pepper
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tsp fresh oregano, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp homemade Cajun seasoning (recipe below)
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 1 lb shrimp, spine and tails removed

Instructions

  1. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker except for the shrimp.
  2. Stir gently so that everything is mixed and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or low for 7-8 hours.
  3. In the remaining 30 minutes of cook time, add the shrimp.

Notes:

This recipe specifies using fresh herbs. However, sometimes fresh herbs aren't available, or it just isn't practical to buy a bunch when only a teaspoon is needed. In such cases, dried herbs can usually be substituted. To do so, use 1/3 the amount of dried herb called for in the recipe. For example, substitute 1 teaspoon of dried herb for 1 tablespoon of fresh herb. When substituting a ground herb for dried leaf herb, use about half of the amount of the dried leaf herb called for in the recipe. Add the dried herb to a recipe at the beginning of the cooking time; this allows its flavors to seep into the dish.

jambalaya

~ You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces — just good food from fresh ingredients. — Julia Child

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