This is the best Weight Watchers Jambalaya recipe, ever! With just 6 Weight Watchers points per serving, you can't go wrong with this simple soup!
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Why This Recipe Works
- Flavorful & Satisfying: Packed with a variety of ingredients and spices for a delicious experience.
- Healthy & Balanced: Lean proteins, veggies, and balanced nutrients cater to Weight Watchers' needs.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily adaptable to personal preferences, allowing for creative twists and experimentation in the kitchen.
📋 Ingredients
- Olive oil: Adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds flavor and texture to the dish.
- Smoked Beef Sausages: Adds a smoky and savory element to the jambalaya.
- Peppers: Provide color, flavor, and a hint of sweetness to the dish.
- Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aroma to the jambalaya.
- Celery Stalks: Adds a subtle crunch and freshness to the overall dish.
- Jalapeno: Adds heat and a kick of spice to the jambalaya.
- Garlic Cloves: Enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful base of the jambalaya.
- Flour: Used for thickening and binding the ingredients together.
- Tomato Paste: Adds richness and tanginess to the jambalaya.
- Dried Thyme: Adds earthy and herbal notes to the dish.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the dish.
- Rice: Provides a hearty and filling component to the jambalaya.
- Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle herbal flavor to the dish.
- Parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color as a garnish.
- Shrimp: Adds a seafood element and protein to the jambalaya.
- Cajun Seasoning: Infuses the dish with traditional Cajun flavors and spices.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
- Lean Protein Options: Use lean proteins such as skinless chicken breast, turkey sausage, or shrimp to reduce fat while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
- Vegetable & Grain Enhancements: Boost fiber and volume by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, celery, and tomatoes. For a whole-grain twist, try brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.
- Flavor & Broth Tweaks: Use a low-sodium broth and moderate spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic, and thyme to build robust flavor without added salt. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also brighten the dish with minimal points.
🔪How To Make Weight Watchers Jambalaya?
- Step 1: Heat the oil in a frying pan or your Instant Pot, add the chopped chicken breast, and fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the sliced sausages to the pan with the chicken. Saute everything together for 5 minutes. Add the chopped celery rings and mix.
- Step 3: Dice the onion and add it to the saucepan. Mix well. Then add diced bell pepper and jalapeno. Fry everything for 6 minutes until the onion is transparent and the pepper is soft. Add the garlic and flour and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.
- Step 4: Pour in the broth and bring to a boil over the stovetop, or if using an Instant Pot, pressure cook for 4 minutes. Add tomato paste, all seasonings, bay leaf, and salt. The Best Weight Watchers Jambalaya is now ready to be served. Enjoy your meal!
Hint: Elevate your jambalaya by grinding a pinch of coffee beans into your spice mix; the subtle bitterness enhances depth and richness in a unique, gourmet way.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Opt for Lean Proteins: Use skinless chicken breast or turkey sausage instead of traditional andouille sausage or higher-fat cuts of meat. These leaner options reduce the overall fat content without sacrificing the hearty flavors typical of Jambalaya.
- Boost Vegetable Content: Increase the amount of vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and celery. Adding more vegetables not only enhances the nutritional profile by adding fiber and vitamins but also helps bulk up the serving size without adding extra points.
- Use Brown Rice: Substitute white rice with brown rice to increase the dish's fiber content, which is better for weight management and provides a slower energy release. This substitution helps in keeping you fuller for longer and stabilizes blood sugar levels.
- Control Oil and Seasoning: Use a light hand with oil; opt for cooking sprays or a small amount of olive oil to sauté the vegetables and proteins. Also, focus on herbs and spices like thyme, cayenne, and smoked paprika to add depth and flavor without the need for additional salt or fatty ingredients.
💭 FAQs
What Is the Difference Between Gumbo And Jambalaya?
Gumbo is typically served over rice while jambalaya has rice actually mixed in. This is the biggest difference between the two.
Cajun Vs. Creole Jambalaya
The biggest way to tell the difference between the two without actually tasting them is to look at the color difference. Creole is going to be orange while cajun is going to be browner in color.
Best Way to Store Jambalaya
Once cooked, allow the best Weight Watchers jambalaya to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
Best Sides For Jambalaya
- Cornbread: Serve a slice of warm, golden cornbread on the side to complement the best Weight Watchers jambalaya.
- Biscuits: Enjoy fluffy biscuits as a delightful side, perfect for sopping up the delicious Jambalaya sauce.
- Quinoa: Elevate your meal with a protein-packed quinoa pilaf, offering a nutritious alternative to traditional rice.
- Crusty Garlic Bread: A classic choice that pairs perfectly with the best Weight Watchers jambalaya.
- Cheesy Bread: The gooey cheesy bread provides a comforting and satisfying contrast to a hot bowl the best Weight Watchers jambalaya.
🍜 Related Recipes
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Weight Watchers Jambalaya
Enjoy all the flavors of a classic southern dish with this Weight Watchers Jambalaya! Packed with juicy shrimp, tender chicken, and spicy sausage, this lightened-up version is full of bold Creole flavors while being low in points. It's a hearty, satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a healthy eating plan!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 сhicken breast
- 450 grams Smoked beef sausages
- 3 peppers
- 1 onion
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 Jalapeno
- 3 garlic cloves
- 6 Cups Chicken broth
- ¼ Cups Flour
- 230 Grams Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 100 Grams Rice
- 2 Bay leaf
- 2 tablespoon Parsley
- 400 Grams Shrimp
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare all the ingredients for The Best Weight Watchers Jambalaya.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan or your Instant Pot, add the chopped chicken breast, and fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sliced sausages to the pan with the chicken. Saute everything together for 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped celery rings and mix.
- Peel the onion, cut it into cubes, and add it to the saucepan. Mix well.
- Then diced bell pepper and chopped jalapeno. Fry everything together for 6 minutes until the onion is transparent and the pepper is soft.
- Add chopped garlic into the mixture.
- Add flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a boil over the stovetop, or if using an Instant Pot, pressure cook for 4 minutes.
- Add tomato paste, all seasonings, bay leaf, and salt.
- The Best Weight Watchers Jambalaya is now ready to be served. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
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Secret Spice Infusion: Elevate your jambalaya by grinding a pinch of coffee beans into your spice mix; the subtle bitterness enhances depth and richness in a unique, gourmet way.
Nutrition
Calories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 19gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 112mgSodium: 1648mgPotassium: 790mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1126IUVitamin C: 63mgCalcium: 95mgIron: 3mg
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