Monday, October 11

Cajun Jambalaya Soup

When I used to go to work everyday, I brought a lunch from home about 95 % of the time, as it saved lots and lots of money.  One day though, I didn't bring a lunch and decided to get some of the soup from Safeway's deli--their Signature Cafe Soups.  That is when I was introduced to their Cajun Style Jambalaya Soup--and we've been close friends ever since.  In fact, when I learned their soup rotation and what days the jambalaya soup was served, I may or may not have conveniently "forgot" my lunch so I had a legitimate excuse to buy a cup bowl of that deliciousness.  What was really funny is that I was talking to my Dad one day and we figured out that we both shared the same obsession with this soup!  He would always go pick some up from the Safeway by his job to scarf down as well!

Anyhow, fast forward several years.....A few months back during a moment of weakness, I bought a container of the soup to bring home.  (If you are new here, I don't normally do convenience foods--they are too expensive!)   As I was a rinsing the container to put in the recycle bin (and in a rare moment of brilliance) I jotted down the ingredients from the container.  I promised myself that I would try to come up with a recipe for a homemade batch and I finally got around to trying it out!  In my humble opinion (ha, ha), I think it tastes just like the one from the deli, but without all the extra additives.  Please, please give it a try...you won't be disappointed!

This one is for you, Dad...I'll have to make some one of the next times we see you.






















Cajun Jambalaya Soup - inspired from Safeway's Signature Soup


1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 lb. Italian sausage links, sliced about 1/4 inch thick
1 cup diced onion
1 green bell pepper, diced
3-4 ribs, celery, sliced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup butter
2/3 cup flour (I used all purpose--shame, shame, I know!)
2 1/2 quarts chicken stock (that's 10 cups for those people out there like me who have to Google a conversion every time because they don't remember)
1 cup white rice
1 lb. diced ham
2 Tbsp. tomato paste (see my tip for what to do with the rest of the can)
3/4 tsp. paprika
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/2-3/4 tsp liquid smoke (add it to taste)
1/2 (or to taste) pepper sauce (I used Tabasco)

In a dutch oven over medium to high heat, saute sausage in olive oil until browned and fully cooked.  Add in onion, bell pepper, celery,  and garlic and saute until onion is translucent.  Add in butter, and once melted, stir in flour.  You will have a big pasty mess--but don't worry.  Pour in chicken stock and mix thoroughly.  Once the stock has heated completely (it doesn't need to boil) add in remaining ingredients, stirring to make sure sure rice doesn't stick to the bottom of pan.  Simmer over medium low heat, stirring occasionally for about an hour.  Soup should thicken and the rice should be completely cooked.  Enjoy!

Note:  I didn't add in any salt because with the sausage, ham, and chicken stock I didn't really think there was a need--but if for some reason yours needs some, add some!  :)  You could also use cooked rice instead of adding in uncooked rice--I would do about 2 cups cooked.  Last, I think chicken or shrimp would be fabulous additions to this as well.  Yum!

This recipe is linked to:

Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday
Blessed With Grace Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap

Hearth 'n Soul Recipe Swap  
It's a Keeper Thursdays
Life As Mom Ultimate Recipe Swap


22 comments:

Melynda@Scratch Made Food! said...

This sounds delicious, we now have soup once a week on Saturdays so this recipe will come in handy! Thanks for sharing.

Hunger and Thirst said...

Thanks so much for linking up with the Hearth and Soul hop. There are a lot of flavorful ingredients in that soup, I can see why it's one of your favorites. How wonderful that you can get that great taste at home.

even-star said...

so THAT is jumbalaya! looks gorgeous and rich. I have never had it but with winter coming there is always more soup on the menu. Time to try something new!

Heather S-G said...

Aw!! Great story and delicious-looking Jambalaya! I would love to give it a try...and my bet is that it's a million times better than Safeways :D Thanks for sharing it with the hearth and soul hop this week!

Miz Helen said...

I love making Jambalaya for my Cajun Granddaughters. Your recipe sounds great!
Thank you for sharing.

April@The 21st Century Housewife said...

This sounds like a lovely hearty soup, perfect for this time of year - and so much better than store bought too! Thanks for sharing it.

Kelly said...

Your soup looks very satisfying. I love to imitate store-bought or restaurant food by making it at home. Sooo much better!

Christy said...

Way to go!! I love it when I figure out how to make a favorite dish! Thanks for sharing with us at the hearth and soul hop!

Couscous & Consciousness said...

That soup looks wonderful, and how satisfying that you were able to recreate your store-bought favourite, but actually improve on it by leaving out all the "nasties". No doubt your Dad will love it when you get to make it for him.
Sue :-)

cheryl@scrapaddict4sure said...

This looks delicious! I would love it if you linked up with me.
Later tonight the Linky list will be up

Unknown said...

Wow! Your jambalaya looks spectacular. I absolutely love jambalaya and jambalaya-inspired dishes. Thank you so much for sharing! This is on my list of "To Try ASAP". Yum Yum Yum! Thanks for sharing! I am now your newest follower!

a moderate life said...

Jack jackie! Don't you just love it when you create your own masterpiece based on the flavors you love? i just DID the same thing with my favorite restaurant's tortilla soup and will post up that recipe shortly! This one looks yummy and I also love that you know your pop will like it and are planning to show him your foodie love some time soon! Thanks so much for sharing on the hearth and soul hop this week! Alex@amoderatelife

Sense of Home Kitchen said...

Your soup sounds wonderful. It is so satisfying to come up with your own version of a favorite food.

jlbmom said...

Thanks for sharing this recipe. I just came from Safeway and bought this soup for lunch! I asked the Deli gal for the recipe and she said No, they don't give it out! I am so glad I found this! Thank you again!

Unknown said...

My husband would love for me to make this. ;)

Come join in "Made it on Monday"

http://larkscountryheart.blogspot.com

Chassity McIntyre said...

I JUST found that soup here and bought it for my hubby. I don't like store bought soup, WAY to much sodium. Thanks for this recipe, I will be putting it on my meal plan this coming week!!!

Marya said...

I love the Safeway Jambalaya - tried this recipe this weekend and it came out so good. Thanks for posting!

Meg Torrie said...

My 3 year old daughter & I tried this for a quick lunch while grocery shopping today and BOTH LIVED IT! (I'm 4 mos pregnant and once I like something it's the only thing I want to eat!!!) THANK YOU for breaking it down! I'm going to make it tomorrow using smoked kielbasa, chicken, ham & (for my husbands bowl, shrimp) lol! Thanks again! REALKY APRECIATE IT!!!

Unknown said...

I am going to try your recipe for my annual Halloween party, which features ... SOUP!! Just curious, why Italian sausage versus andoille sausage? Is there much of a difference between the two? Thank you so much. Just tried our local Dominicks' Jambalaya soup, so awesome! I like to cook my own and so happy to find your recipe.

Unknown said...

I just made this soup according to your recipe and it came out delicious! However, the soup got thick like a stew as it sat out on the stove over night. Is that normal? And is there a way to prevent that from happening?

Anonymous said...

the soup looks very delicious, though when it comes to cooking, (even the basic stuff), let's just say I'm only good in cooking papa's games, but in RL, not so much. I'll have to try really hard not to fail lol. thanks for the recipe.

Nikitha said...

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