Savory Barley Jambalaya with Sausage and Shrimp
Dive into a heartwarming bowl of Savory Barley Jambalaya, where tender Italian sausage meets the chewy goodness of pearl barley, creating a comforting yet exotic dish. Bursting with flavors from sautéed onions, garlic, and a hint of spice from fresh chili peppers, this jambalaya offers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or as a standout dish at potlucks, serve it alongside a light salad and some rustic crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. A glass of robust red wine elevates this meal, making every bite a celebration of culinary delight.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian sausage
1 lb (mild or hot, removed from casing)
Onions
2 (finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Long red chilies or jalapeno pepper
1 (finely chopped)
Cajun seasoning
2 teaspoons
Dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon
Salt
1 teaspoon
Cracked black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon
Pearl barley
1 cup (thoroughly rinsed under cold running water)
Canned tomatoes
28 ounces (coarsely chopped with juice)
Chicken stock
3 cups
Medium shrimp
8 ounces (cooked, peeled, and deveined)
Roasted red pepper
1 (finely chopped)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Barley Jambalaya with Sausage and Shrimp?
It is a comforting and exotic dish that combines Italian sausage, shrimp, and pearl barley with a variety of spices and vegetables.
What type of sausage is recommended for this recipe?
You should use one pound of Italian sausage, either mild or hot depending on your spice preference, with the casing removed.
Why is pearl barley used instead of rice in this jambalaya?
Pearl barley provides a chewy goodness and a satisfying texture that makes the dish feel more substantial and unique compared to traditional rice-based jambalaya.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it has a hint of spice from fresh long red chilies or jalapenos, Cajun seasoning, and cracked black peppercorns.
How should the Italian sausage be prepared?
The sausage should be removed from its casing before being cooked into the jambalaya.
What type of shrimp should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of medium shrimp that are already cooked, peeled, and deveined.
Do I need to rinse the pearl barley?
Yes, the pearl barley should be thoroughly rinsed under cold running water before use.
Can I use jalapenos instead of long red chilies?
Yes, you can use either one finely chopped jalapeno pepper or one long red chili.
What provides the Cajun flavor in this dish?
The flavor comes from two teaspoons of Cajun seasoning along with dried oregano leaves and fresh garlic.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, the 28 ounces of canned tomatoes should be coarsely chopped and used along with their juice.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as healthy and features whole grains like barley and lean protein from shrimp.
What are the best side dishes for this jambalaya?
It is best served alongside a light salad and some rustic crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Can this be prepared in a slow cooker?
Yes, 'slow cooker' is one of the primary tags for this recipe, making it ideal for low-and-slow cooking.
What wine pairs well with Savory Barley Jambalaya?
A glass of robust red wine is recommended to elevate the flavors of this meal.
Can I substitute the Italian sausage with something else?
While Italian sausage is traditional for this recipe, you could substitute it with chicken or turkey sausage for a different flavor profile.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires two finely chopped onions.
Can I freeze Savory Barley Jambalaya?
Yes, barley dishes typically freeze well, making this a great option for meal prep.
What is the role of the roasted red pepper?
One finely chopped roasted red pepper is added to enhance the flavor and provide a touch of sweetness.
Is pearl barley gluten-free?
No, barley contains gluten, so this recipe is not suitable for those on a gluten-free diet.
How much liquid is required for this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 cups of chicken stock in addition to the juice from the canned tomatoes.
What dried herbs are used?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of dried oregano leaves.
Can I add more vegetables to this jambalaya?
Absolutely, while it includes onions, garlic, and peppers, you can add celery or bell peppers to follow the 'holy trinity' of Cajun cooking.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish is comforting and hearty with a chewy bite from the barley and a rich, savory broth.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is described as a standout dish for potlucks because it is easy to transport and serves well.
Does the recipe use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, the ingredient list specifies using cooked, peeled, and deveined medium shrimp.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock if you prefer.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of cracked black peppercorns.
How much garlic is in this dish?
The recipe uses two minced garlic cloves.
Is this a good weeknight dinner option?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'weeknight dinner' because it is satisfying and relatively simple to assemble.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients in this Savory Barley Jambalaya.