Do you have leftover jambalaya? Lucky you! However, it can sometimes be tricky to get the most out of leftover food items. If you’re creative though, there are so many things you can do to transform leftovers into a complete meal.
We’ve become a throwaway society but you can save so much on your food bill by carefully using up your leftovers. Your grandmother would be proud of you!
What is Jambalaya?
This American Croelo/Cajun dish is often confused with gumbo and this isn’t surprising. They are similar in their flavors and ingredients.
Gumbo is served on rice, while jambalaya has the rice mixed through it. Both are types of spicy stew made with a mixture of seafood or poultry and sausage plus vegetables.
Take Care with Leftovers
It’s important to store leftovers carefully to prevent food spoilage and illness. As soon as you have served the jambalaya on the first day, cool it down and immediately pack it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge.
It can also be frozen for about three months. Never leave it standing around at room temperature.
What to Do with Leftover Jambalaya
1. Try rolling the reheated jambalaya in a tortilla and eating it for lunch. Grate some cheese over it before rolling if you like. You could also top it with guacamole or cream cheese.
2. Use it as an omelet filling. Again, you can top it with some shredded cheese before folding the omelet over. Some hot sauce makes a tasty addition too.
3. Put the leftovers in a food processor or mincer and process them until you have small chunks. Roll this mixture into small balls and fry them in hot oil or spray them with oil and cook them in the air fryer.
If you like, roll the balls in beaten egg and then into seasoned crumbs for a crisp exterior. You can serve them as a snack with guacamole or a cheesy dip of your choice.
4. Make it into a hearty supper dish by adding more cooked chicken or sausage before reheating.
5. Make jambalaya burger patties! Simply mix the jambalaya with a beaten egg and some breadcrumbs. Shape this mixture into burger patties and fry in a little oil and butter in a heated frying pan.
Serve with a spicy sauce and the usual burger trimmings like onion rings, tomato slices, and crispy lettuce leaves in a bun. A good side to have with this is coleslaw.
6. Turn the leftovers into soup by placing the jambalaya in a heavy-based pot. Next, add a cup or two of chicken stock and some extra Cajun spice. Shred some kale or collard greens and add them to the pot.
Bring to a boil and simmer for ten minutes or so. Meanwhile, fry a few bacon rashers until crispy. Serve the soup in bowls with the bacon crumbled over the top.
7. Make a rich and cheesy jambalaya casserole. Mix some shredded Monterey Jack cheese and a teaspoon of Cajun spice through the jambalaya leftovers.
Add a little pasta sauce or tomato passata as leftover jambalaya tends to become a little dry due to the rice absorbing the juices. Put this mixture into a casserole dish and top it with more cheese.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
To Conclude
We hope you have enjoyed our ideas on what to do with leftover jambalaya. Whatever you do, please don’t waste it! Let us know what worked for you in the comments box and if you have any more ideas.