Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya

This really is one of my very favorite entrees.


Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 lb andouille, chorizo, or other smoked sausage, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices
2 cups chopped onions
3/4 cup chopped bell peppers
3/4 cup chopped celery
salt + cayenne to taste
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) whole tomatoes, chopped, with juice
1 tbsp chopped garlic
2 cups water
4 bay leaves
1/4 tsp dried thyme
2 chicken breasts, cooked and cut in large dice
1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup chopped green onions

Heat the oil in a large saucepan or an large-cast iron Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for 2 minutes. Add onions, bell peppers, and celery. Season with salt and cayenne to taste and saute for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden and soft. Add the rice and stir to coat evenly. Add the tomatoes with their juices, the garlic, bay leaves and water, thyme. Cover and cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes. Season shrimp with salt and cayenne in a mixing bowl . Add to mixture and cook for 10 more minutes. Cook until rice is tender, liquid is absorbed and shrimp is pink.

Remove from heat and let stand, covered for about 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the green onions and serve.

Makes 6 servings