Would you Southern September mommas not talk to me anymore...

Geekchick921

If I made jambalaya tonight with Zatarain's mix instead of from scratch?  I want to try it since it's Fat Tuesday and I've never made it before.  I figure this is a little more foolproof (and faster, since I work full-time). 

tlynnus

Sorry but that sounds disgusting.  It isn't that hard to follow a real recipe. 

aimeewinn

I say do it. I used to buy that and add in some kielbasa that I sliced and browned a little bit in a skillet. It was awesome and kinda spicy.

marriedfilingjointly

aimeewinn:

I say do it. I used to buy that and add in some kielbasa that I sliced and browned a little bit in a skillet. It was awesome and kinda spicy.

 

We do this, too.  I'm southern and I have no problem with some Zatterans.   Yum. 

TheFannins729

i am a southerner and i've used it.  we add chicken, kielbasa and shrimp to it. 

LNHinton

I actually like the Zatarain's mix so I say go for it. You're doing better than I am, I still haven't stepped foot in the kitchen to make a meal!

PurplePanda83

I see nothing wrong with short cuts when you are short on time. Just know if you ever travel to New Orleans it will probably taste a little different!

Geekchick921

tlynnus:

Sorry but that sounds disgusting.  It isn't that hard to follow a real recipe. 

Well do you have one you want to share, then?  

What about this one?  https://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Bubbas-Jambalaya/Detail.aspx  I may omit the ham and chicken and double the sausage and shrimp, though.  A few of the recipes I saw call for spices I don't have at home and I'd rather not buy for something I may not make again in awhile, hence why I was going to use the stuff in the box.  I actually HAVE Cajun seasoning, though (I stole it from my mom's house , she was never using it).

Geekchick921

PurplePanda83:

I see nothing wrong with short cuts when you are short on time. Just know if you ever travel to New Orleans it will probably taste a little different!

If I ever go to NOLA, I want to go to a crawfish boil like nobody's business.  NOM NOM NOM!

P.S. I crack under peer pressure, especially when it comes to making stuff from scratch instead of pre-packaged.  I blame the first person to reply if I walk out of the grocery store without Zatarain's, which I've never used before.  All my rice sides come from San Francisco, not New Orleans.

veronicafvr

Not at all. When my DH is in a rush he uses that as a base and adds sausage and veggies and it tastes good to me. But I haven't ever had jambalaya from scratch.

dianamcu

I say go for it.  I've cheated a time or two, though, it does taste better from scratch.

ChrissyLonghorn

marriedfilingjointly:

aimeewinn:

I say do it. I used to buy that and add in some kielbasa that I sliced and browned a little bit in a skillet. It was awesome and kinda spicy.

 

We do this, too.  I'm southern and I have no problem with some Zatterans.   Yum. 

I agree.....Zataran's is fine with me/

marriedtoeric

I'd still talk to you. But I hate jambalaya, and I love easy-to-make dinners.  So maybe not quite southern enough to count in this poll?

justrachet

Zatarain's with sausage is one of my favorite quick and easy meals. I make jambalaya from scratch sometimes, and it is yummier, but it is not in the "quick and easy" category.

abatkins

As a Southern Belle, I know how good the real thing is...HOWEVER, Z's is actually really good!   The one with the cheese already in the box (fake cheese of course) is so scrumptious!  I ain't mad at ya! 

 

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler

 

good2bewood

Zatarains it good stuff! Not homeade but good nonetheless. They've been around forever!

candacenally

I say go for it. Not every meal can be homemade unless you have the money to do it, are a stay at home mom, and never get sick or feel nauseous to boot. Have you ever tried the dirty rice mix? Just add hamburger meat and rice and eat in a burrito and it is very good. This is coming from the worlds most picky eater. Here is an easy recipe when you do have time and are feeling decent:

ShrimpCreole

1lb shrimp

MildSausage

2 chicken breasts, cubed 

1med onion, diced

1bell pepper, diced

3Green onions, diced

?cup chopped celery, diced

2cloves of garlic, minced

1can (14.5 oz) of petite diced tomatoes

?tsp paprika

?tsp salt

?tsp cayenne pepper

EmrilsEssence Creole Seasoning (recipe to follow)

2tbsp parsley

2cups of rice

 

Directions:

?        Cook onion, celery, green pepper and garlic over med heat for5-7 minutes.

?        In a separate pan cook sausage and chicken. Stir in undrained tomatoes,paprika, salt, cayenne pepper and sausage. Bring to a boil, reduce heat. Simmeruncovered 5-8 minutes or until thickened.

?        Lightly season shrimp with emerils Bayou Blast. Stir shrimp intotomato mixture, top with parsley and green onions. Simmer for an additional 2-4 minutes. Seasonto taste. 

?        Serve mixture over bed of rice

 

EmerilsESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):

21/2 tablespoons paprika

2tablespoons salt

2tablespoons garlic powder

1tablespoon black pepper

1tablespoon onion powder

1tablespoon cayenne pepper

1tablespoon dried oregano

1tablespoon dried thyme 

Geekchick921

That sounds yummy!  Thank you!  I am going to send it to myself right now.

P.S. I used the Zatarain's last night and it was a hit!  DD could take it or leave it, but I didn't expect her to like it very much.  She ate a good amount of the rice, though.  DH loved it!  Next time I may try to make it from scratch.