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Cajun Inspired Turkey Jambalaya

The Cajun Inspired Turkey Jambalaya is red in color with a green background

This Louisiana-style rice stew, similar in preparation to another one pot wonder, paella, takes leftover turkey on a Cajun vacation with smoky, sweet, and spicy in its forecast. Oh, I forgot to mention that you can also do this Cajun inspired turkey jambalaya recipe with leftover cooked rice.

Turkey Jambalaya

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning
  • Chopped green onions or chives to garnish (optional)
  • 1 lb cooked turkey cubed
  • Good pinch salt
  • 1 cup turkey or chicken stock
  • 1 14 oz. can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup uncooked long grain rice or 2 to 3 cups cooked long grain rice
  • cups about 6 oz. chopped smoked sausage, such as smoked meat sausage, andouille, chorizo or even spicy pepperettes
  • Hot sauce or pinch cayenne to taste
  • 2 Tbsp oil of choice like olive or coconut oil
  • 1 Tbsp fresh or 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 Tbsp fresh or 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 clove garlic chopped
  • 1 jalapeno finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 green pepper chopped
  • 1 stalk celery chopped
  • 1 onion chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the oil and sauté the onions, peppers, celery, jalapeños and garlic until softened.
  • Stir in the bay leaves, herbs, spices and sausage and cook for 2 minutes.
  • If using uncooked rice, stir in the rice to coat and cook for 2 minutes. If not, go to next step. Add the stock and tomato sauce and bring to simmer. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes or until the rice is cooked through, adding more stock if needed.
  • Stir in the cooked turkey. If using cooked rice, add to the skillet and bring to simmer for an additional few minutes. If using raw shrimp, it should take no longer than 5 minutes for them to cook through.
  • Taste, and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper and hot sauce. Serve in a large bowl and garnish as desired.

I hope you enjoy this Cajun Inspired Turkey Jambalaya recipe just as much as I do! For more turkey recipes, check out this link and follow me on Instagram for the latest.