If you’re wondering what vegetables go well with the already vegetable-filled jambalaya, we’ve got you. Jambalaya has become a world-famous weeknight dish because it’s so easy to make and it’s just so delicious. Here’s a list of vegetables that you can serve with jambalaya.
Jambalaya is a famous dish from the southeast of the United States. There are two different versions of this special dish – the Creole version and the Cajun version.
It’s not clear whether jambalaya originated in Louisiana or New Orleans but one this is for sure, this dish is a mix of ribble rabble of vegetables, spice, meat, and rice.
Creole jambalaya is typically made with tomatoes, onion, pepper, celery, sausages, and chicken.
Cajun jambalaya does not make use of tomatoes and is commonly brown because of the caramelizing of vegetables.
Jambalaya has French, Spanish, and African influences that are all strong in flavor, creating this wonderful weeknight staple.
Nowadays, you’ll find different versions of jambalaya that make use of different kinds of meat from beef, lamb, venison, chicken, pork, seafood, and even exotic meats like snake and alligator. Some kinds of jambalaya use different kinds of starch instead of rice like potatoes, pasta, and other grains.
This weeknight staple is great with a plethora of sides but we’ve chosen to narrow things down with the vegetables. Here’s a delicious guide on what to serve with jambalaya.
Table of Contents
1. Chard
Chard is a delicious leafy green that is packed with nutrients. It’s a very delicious vegetable that luckily pairs with jambalaya perfectly. Chard is typically sauteed in brown sugar, onion, olive oil, and vinegar. This subtle and simple mix of flavors is one of the most authentic sides you can serve jambalaya with.
2. Collard Greens
Collard greens are very famous in Soul Food. They’re earthy in flavor and slightly bitter. Sauteed collard greens in onion, garlic, and lard make a delicious side dish with jambalaya. It completes this southern flavor profile with the jambalaya and it’s just reminiscent of a good old southern dinner.
3. Corn
Nothing screams south other than corn. Corn on the cob, creamed corn, cornbread, shaved corn, and many more are side dishes that go well with jambalaya. This starchy vegetable is naturally sweet and perfumes as a jambalaya meal with subtlety and balance.
4. Okra
Okra is a staple in the southern states of the United States. They’re often found on the dinner tables of each household and they taste great with almost any kind of southern dish. With jambalaya, we like chopping up the okra, breading it and deep-frying. The texture is perfect with the tender plate of jambalaya and it’s enjoyable to eat.
5. Caesar Salad
Not just any kind of salad would compliment the flavors of the jambalaya but a delicious plate of caesar salad. Caesar salad is packed with strong flavors from mustard, anchovies, eggs, lemon, and bacon. The mixture of all these ingredients creates a dish that demands your attention, very much like our happy plate of jambalaya. You might be thinking why you should pair an equally strong-flavored dish with jambalaya. It works with Caesar salad because most of the flavors of Caesar salad cut through the richness of jambalaya.
6. Green Beans
Green beans are a staple in Louisiana and New Orleans. There are many ways you can prepare a delicious plate of green beans. With jambalaya, we like preparing a green bean salad with boiled potatoes, light vinegar, and some fresh cheese. The mixture of all these flavors adds up to a nice side dish that compliments the richness of the jambalaya.
7. Cabbage
We’re not just talking about any kind of cabbage dish but we’re talking about coleslaw. Coleslaw with jambalaya is a no-brainer. It’s a creamy and fresh salad that can be colored with green and red cabbage. The subtle flavor of the cabbage goes well with the strong flavor of the spices and the creaminess just creates an extra delicious meal.
8. Cucumber
Cucumber is mostly water and we love that about it. A cucumber tomato salad mixed with light vinegar would go so well with a plate of jambalaya because of its freshness and light sourness. These factors balance the strong flavor of the rice dish. A cucumber tomato salad can be made ahead and used for other meals too.
9. Arugula
Arugula is a salad green that isn’t usually served with jambalaya but hear us out here. We think it tastes great with jambalaya because it tastes fresh and there’s a nutty bitterness to it. This flavor cuts through the heavily spiced dish and harmonizes the flavors in your mouth.
10. Cauliflower
Jambalaya is already a soft dish filled with spices and caramelized vegetables. You’ll want to serve it with something nice and crisp. Cauliflower tots taste great with jambalaya because of the added texture. The flavor of the breading should be mixed with some cornflour to add that corny flavor to it.
