I have a few signature dishes, this is one of them. People always ask for the recipe...here it is:
Jambalaya
2 tbsp Crisco
1 large onion
1 lb sliced smoked sausage
1 lb chicken
1 bell pepper
2 roma tomatoes
4 cloves garlic
1 cup celery
3 bay leaves
1 tsp thyme
7 cups chicken broth
3 cups rice
¼ can tomato paste
½ cup fresh parsley
½ cup green onions
Salt
Pepper
Hot stuff: tabasco, cayenne, crushed red pepper
In a heavy dutch oven (preferably cast iron) heat Crisco until melted then brown sausage and chicken. Remove meat and sauté onions, peppers and celery until onions begin to color. Then add back the meat and stir. Add the chopped tomato, garlic and all dry spices then stir and cook for a couple of minutes. Add the stock and tomato paste and hot stuff to taste and bring to a boil. Add the rice, bring to a boil again and reduce to a simmer. Cover and simmer for approximately 18-22 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
This dish is truly “Food Velcro”. You can substitute any meat and add any vegetables you wish (do not substitute for the onions, bell peppers and celery, they are core ingredients). Be very careful with the cayenne, it is very unforgiving. I prefer to go heavier with the Tabasco and crushed red pepper.
