Foods A-Z - J is for Jambalaya
By LindaOH
@LindaOHio (222806)
United States
May 13, 2020 1:57pm CST
Jambalaya is a dish of West African, French and Spanish influence. It consists of meat and vegetables mixed with rice. There is always sausage (sometimes andouille), pork and chicken. Less often seafood is included.
Jambalaya originated in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. The Spanish were attempting to make paella in the New World; but saffron was largely unavailable because of the high import costs. Tomatoes were substituted for the saffron. French influence also became strong; and Caribbean spices were added.
The first appearance of the word "jambalaya" in print was in Provencal dialect in 1837. Jambalaya (Hopping Johnny) appeared in English in 1849.
Have you ever had jambalaya?
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
13 people like this
12 responses
@FourWalls (86875)
• United States
13 May 20
Just the Hank Williams song. 
Actually, I have, just chicken jambalaya. I’m allergic to pork. (Which makes the bacon lovers happy: more for them to eat!)
Actually, I have, just chicken jambalaya. I’m allergic to pork. (Which makes the bacon lovers happy: more for them to eat!)2 people like this
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
13 May 20
I had a feeling you would "steal" my comeback!
2 people like this
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
13 May 20
Never had any except on the radio.
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61463)
• United States
24 Nov 20
I have eaten jambalaya in New Orleans and it is unforgettable
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61463)
• United States
24 Nov 20
@LindaOHio it was lots of fun we hired a driver who took us to the river plantations and on a great personal tour of the city
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222806)
• United States
25 Nov 20
@BelleStarr I would love to see one of the old, great homes.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222806)
• United States
24 Nov 20
New Orleans must have been a fun trip.
1 person likes this
@cmoneyspinner (9218)
• Austin, Texas
18 Jun 20
I don't have jambalaya very often. So when I do have it, it's a special treat!
1 person likes this
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
13 May 20
I have--back when I ate meat and fish--I have made a version with vegetarian sausage, but not with shrimp--although I understand that a good vegetarian fish product is in the works--would love to have that again!
1 person likes this
@amitkokiladitya (171988)
• Agra, India
13 May 20
Thanks...I have not heard about this dish ever.
1 person likes this
