WINE & FOOD AFFAIR RECIPES

Main Dish


Jamaican Jerk Jambalaya

Sbragia Family Vineyards

9990 Dry Creek Road
Geyserville, CA 95441
sbragia.com

Jambalaya is a perfect dish for any time of the year! Its origins lie in Louisiana, where you will most likely find a Cajun or Creole style. We have chosen to add a Jamaican twist to ours, complementing the specific spice notes we find in our La Promessa Zinfandel. Serve this jambalaya fresh, with good friends and even better conversation. Enjoy!

Jerk Seasoning

Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions:
To prepare the jerk seasoning, in a bowl, stir together the spices, which will yield about 1/2 cup seasoning. You will not use all of the seasoning in this recipe. Store the leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for about 6 months. 

Jambalaya

Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons canola, peanut or extra-virgin olive oil, plus more if needed
  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning (recipe above), plus more for coating chicken
  • 1 pound andouille sausage, cut into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 bell peppers (various colors), seeded and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
  • 1 can (14 ounces) chopped tomatoes with juices
  • 2 cups chicken stock or water
Directions:
To prepare the jambalaya, in a large bowl, combine the oil, chicken and enough jerk seasoning to coat the chicken and toss. 

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken, reduce the heat to medium and sear the chicken so each piece is evenly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. If the chicken is sticking, add a touch of oil to the pot. Transfer the chicken to a plate. 

Keep the pot over medium heat and add the andouille sausage. Cook, stirring, for a few moments, then add the onion and bell peppers plus more oil if the vegetables begin to stick. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the celery and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until aromatic.

Add the rice and stir to blend with the other ingredients. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes. You do not want any color on the rice, but if some grains are beginning to turn golden brown, just proceed to the next step. 

Add 1 tablespoon of the jerk seasoning and cook for a few moments, stirring constantly. Return the chicken to the pot. 

Add the tomatoes with juices and the stock; the liquid should be covering the rice by about 1 inch. Taste the liquid and adjust for seasoning. You do not want the liquid to taste bland and flavorless, but you also do not want the seasoning to be too bold. Instead, you want to taste a hint of each flavor and a nice balance between the stock and the seasoning.  

Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and fluff with a fork. Let cool for a few minutes, then serve. 

Sbragia Family Vineyards

9990 Dry Creek Road
Geyserville, CA 95441
sbragia.com