New Orleans Jambalaya

INGREDIENTS:

3 T. Cooking oil, divided
2 T. Cajun seasoning, (adjust to suit your tastes/heat preference)
10 oz. Andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
1 lb. Boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
1 Lg. Onion diced (½ inch diced)
1 Sm. Green bell pepper (seeded & ½ inch diced)
1 Sm. Red bell pepper (seeded & ½ inch diced)
2 stalks Celery, chopped (½ inch diced)
4 cloves Garlic, minced
14 oz. Crushed tomatoes
1 t. Salt
1/2 t. Ground black pepper
1 t. each Dried thyme & oregano
1/2 t. Red pepper flakes (or 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne powder)
1/2 t. Hot pepper sauce
2 t. Worcestershire sauce
1 C. Okra thinly sliced
1 1/2 C. Rice (Uncle Bens)
3 C. Chicken broth
1 Lb. Raw shrimp/prawns tails on or off, peeled and deveined
Sliced green onions and chopped parsley, to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the sausage and chicken pieces with half of the Cajun seasoning.
2. Brown sausage in the hot oil; remove with slotted spoon and set aside. Add remaining oil to the pot and sauté chicken until lightly browned. Remove with slotted spoon; set aside.
3. Sauté the onion, bell pepper and celery until onion is soft and transparent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds).
4. Stir in the tomatoes; season with salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes (or Cayenne powder), hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Stir in the okra slices, chicken and sausage. Cook for 5 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
5. Add in the rice and chicken broth, bring to a boil and reduce heat to low/medium heat. Cover and let simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is cooked, while stirring occasionally.
6. Place the shrimp on top of the Jambalaya mixture, stir through gently and cover with lid. Allow to simmer while stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are cooked through and pink (about 5-6 minutes, depending on the size/thickness of the shrimp being used).
7. Season with a little extra salt and pepper if needed and remove from heat. Adjust heat with extra hot sauce, Cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning. Serve immediately with sliced green onions and parsley.

Enjoy, Dean Stefanic