"I made this a couple of weeks ago and it was a big hit, will definitely be making it again. Mushy rice can sometimes be a problem for jambalaya (it was for me). Someone suggested I use parboiled rice instead of regular, and that seems to have done the trick, no more mushy rice.""

"We really liked this recipe, it was delicious! I made a few changes based on what I had handy. I used dried cranberries instead of raisins, and roasted pumpkin seeds instead of pine nuts. I also used spinach instead of basil. It came out wonderfully, I will definitely be making this again both for family and for guests."

"I've been meaning to try and make gumbo for years, and finally got up the nerve. After browsing dozens of recipes I chose this one, because of so many positive reviews. I made it, let it 'mellow' a day in the fridge, and then served it to friends and family, and all of them said it was the best gumbo they ever had (and I live down here near Cajun country). A few changes are needed, but otherwise it was really delicious.

I did find it a bit salty, so suggest maybe using a salt free beef broth in place of the water and bouillon cubes. Also make sure your tomatoes are salt free. If you later find it not salty enough you can add it, but it's nearly impossible to remove too much salt. I also used andouille sausage rather than smoked, but really I think it wouldn't matter which you used. I put a full pound of small shrimp in too, instead of half a pound, and some file to help thicken it.

Definitely five stars. I'll be making this again! Thanks Paula :D