A jambalaya is similar to a Spanish paella. This funny word itself is derived from the Spanish "jamón" - which means Ham. Jambalaya is a "creole" dish - i.e. originating in the American south of Louisiana - near New Orleans - and is a fusion of French, Spanish, Italian and African influences. Probably dating from sometime in the 1700s. The Spanish influence arises from the fact that the Louisiana territory was traded to Spain in 1763. The Spanish contributions to Creole cuisine include mixing and meat in one dish, hence the Shrimp (prawn) and Sausage jambalaya!