Big Fun on the Bayou Jambalaya

Servings: 8 or more

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, diced
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1.5 pounds andouille, sliced (can substitute smoked sausage if necessary)
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 tablespoons garlic, chopped
• 2 6 oz. cans tomato paste
• 1 28 oz can of tomatoes (diced)
• 8 cups stock (i like to mix chicken and beef, but it’s up to you)
• 3 tablespoons creole seasoning (see below or use something like Tony Chachere’s or Emeril’s)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 4 cups long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, minced

Creole Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions

1. Season the diced chicken thighs with some of creole seasoning.
2. In a large pot, saute the andouille for several minutes, until they release a nice amount of fat. Remove andouille and set aside.
3. Brown the chicken in the andouille fat, until it takes on a nice dark color. Remove from pan and set aside with andouille.
4. Add onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic and saute for two minutes.
5. Add tomato paste and stir rapidly to combine. Saute for several more minutes until the onions become translucent and the tomato paste takes on a darker, richer color.
6. Add two cups of the stock and stir thoroughly, making sure to scrap up any carmelized goodness.
7. Add the can of tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves.
8. Add another teaspoon of the creole seasoning, mix well and let simmer for five minutes.
9. Add chicken and andouille, mix well and let simmer for another five minutes.
10. Add shrimp, parsley and the rest of the stock. Repeat the drill for five more minutes. Taste for seasoning.
11. Add rice, and combine thoroughly. Cook for about 20-30 minutes until all liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
12. If rice is done and liquid remains, keep on low for another 5 minutes until jambalaya has thickened up.
13. Remove bay leaf.
14. That’s it. Laissez les bon temps rouler!