Jambalaya Feast

Jambalaya originated in the Caribbean Islands. The Spanish culture mixed with the native foods created what we know as Jambalaya. Jambalaya is traditionally made in three parts, with  meat   and vegetables, and is completed by adding stock and  rice. It is also a close cousin to the saffron colored  paella   found in Spanish culture. Jambalaya cooking is an art that must be perfected to acquire a superb blend of flavor with proper consistency. The local Area cooks practice continually to perfect Jambalaya that will win the title "World Champion." As you might imagine, competition is key as many cooks vie for this prestigious title. Many champions have cooked at other festivals and for foreign leaders, as well as presidents of the United States. Gonzales is the Jambalaya Capital of The World. 

The volunteers of the Jambalaya Festival left no stones unturned to   cook   in a vast 7 ft, 8 inch pot .So just by the mammoth size of the   cooking pot itself  you could guess the enormous quantity of Jambalaya cooked  in it.  And yes   as rightly expected   the food   was served for 3000  people. The huge pot had to be transported   by a forklift   and once on the cooking fire  with all the ingredients became  impossible for just one guy to actually stir well the whole stuff. Therefore several persons were roped into to actually get everyone into the act of stirring   the mixture continusoly. The world record Jambalaya  was cooked  by 50 volunteers  as organized by Jambalaya Festival  vice president and 2006  Champion cook  Kyle Frederic  .

   The recipe included 1,200 pounds of pork and sausage with 300 pounds of onions, 3 gallons of salt, 16 cups of red and black pepper, 20 pounds of garlic and 100 gallons of water.   Meetings were held to perfect the recipe and organize the volunteers needed to get the job done. Paddle and fire captains were named and volunteer secured.  Many champions who were adept in cooking the Jambalaya also lent their expertise in the process of perfecting the dish. After a   grueling three hours  of cooking  session  the jambalaya was ready to be served  to all.

The Largest Jambalaya  was served to 3000 persons and was cooked on  a 7ft ,8 inch pot was set by Jambalaya Festival at Gonzales, Louisiana, United States of America on June 10, 2009.