Bulgur Jambalaya

Bulgur Jambalaya is a wholesome twist on the classic Creole dish, replacing rice with nutty bulgur for a hearty and nutritious meal. Packed with bold Cajun flavors, this dish includes tender chicken, smoky sausage, and plump shrimp, all simmered together with bell peppers, tomatoes, and spices. The bulgur absorbs the rich broth, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. This one-pot dish is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, offering all the warmth and comfort of traditional jambalaya with a healthier spin.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup bulgur wheat
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
• Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Chicken and Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and sausage, cooking until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion, bell peppers, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Cook the Bulgur: Add the bulgur and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 12-15 minutes, or until the bulgur is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Add Shrimp: Stir the cooked chicken and sausage back into the pot along with the shrimp. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Finish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve with hot sauce on the side for an extra kick.

This flavorful Bulgur Jambalaya is sure to bring a bit of Southern comfort to your table!