Recipe of the Week – Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya

We're celebrating all things food by sharing our third healthy and delicious Recipe of the Week for care home staff to try with their residents, courtesy of our Oomph! On-Demand Wellbeing & Activities Platform. 

This scrumptious Cajun chicken rice pot recipe is bursting with spicy Spanish sausage, sweet peppers and tomatoes. It is a treat to the tastebuds and will empower participants with responsibilities as they follow the recipe instructions! The activity has been designed to stimulate people's minds whilst improving their hand-eye coordination. 

Food can be a great way to promote group conversation. Here are some discussion prompts below: 

• Have you tried this dish before? 
• Do you like the combination of chicken and chorizo? 
• What other rice dishes do you like? 

You could start a session by asking if anyone has tried this dish before. Why don't you get participants to describe the feeling they get from each sense when trying this dish? Ask them how the food tastes, what it smells like, and what textures they feel in their mouths! This is a great way to get them really thinking about the dish and excited for the next tasty mouthful. 

This is a great activity that can be adaptable for groups with differing needs: 

Everyone can get involved in making this tasty dish either in a small group or during a one to one! This activity will bring fun and enjoyment to all and here are some ideas for adapting your delivery: 

Adaptions for those who are visually impaired: 

• Use precise, descriptive words to define and describe pictures, materials, and instructions. 
• Ensure the environment that you are using to complete the activity is free from trip hazards and furniture does not extend into any walkways.  

Adaptions for those that have a hearing impairment: 

• Make sure that as the facilitator you are aware of where you position yourself and ensure that you are close to the person to help explain any activities.  
• Face the person when speaking so that it provides them an opportunity to lip read and do not turn your back on them when providing instructions for the activity.  

Adaptions for those living with dementia: 

• If using equipment, you may need to demonstrate how to use this first (use appropriate and safe equipment for the group – risk assessment needed) 
• Ensure the environment is clear from clutter, reduce any background noises as able, and ensure good lighting. A person living with dementia may need further lighting to help see and focus on daily tasks and activities.  

Adaptions for those that have a mobility impairment: 

• When cooking, provide easy-grip cutlery with chunky nonslip handles for anyone that may need extra stability and grip support.  
• Ensure that the environment is set up so that a person’s mobility aid is easily accessible to encourage safety and independence. 

This tasty dish will be enough alone however there are some other ways to add to the session. For example, you could look at sourcing some facts about the dish to educate people about its origins. Its origins lie in Louisiana, where you will most likely find a Cajun or Creole style.  

What you will need: 

• 1 tbsp of olive oil  
• 2 chicken breasts, chopped or a meat-free alternative 
• 1 onion diced 
• 1 red pepper (thinly sliced) 
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed 
• 75g chorizo, sliced or a meat-free alternative 
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning 
• 250g long grain rice 
• 400g can of plum tomatoes 
• 350ml chicken stock or meat-free chicken stock
• Parsley (optional) 

Equipment needed for this recipe: 

• Frying pan 
• Chopping board 
• Chopping knife  
• Oven hob 

If you want to find out how to make this delicious Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya recipe, the full method is available on the Oomph! Wellbeing & Activities Platform, along with hundreds of other recipes. Our first recipe of the week, shrimp and chicken paella is available in full for you to try.   

Read here to find out more about Oomph! On-Demand.