Jason's Jambaylaya

Jason made this terrific jambaylaya for dinner tonight! As soon as I pulled in the carpot and opened the car door, the most wonderful aroma hit me. It tastes at least twice as good as it smells. And he was so adorable cooking :)




What you'll need:

1 1/2 pounds andouille sausage, diced
1 pound fresh pork sausage, removed from casings
1 pound bacon, diced
4 chicken legs (thighs and drumsticks separated)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
5 celery stalks, diced
3 large onions, diced
2 green peppers, diced
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 dried bay leaf
1 1/2 Tbsp paprika
1 Tbsp cayenne pepper
4 1/2 cups converted white rice (Uncle Bens)
3 cups crushed tomatoes
3 cups rich chicken broth
2 1/2 pounds shrimp (preferably Louisiana white), peeled and deveined
1 1/2 pounds Louisiana crawfish, peeled and deveined (optional)
2 bunches green onions, chopped
1/2 Tbsp celery salt

How to make it:

1. Preheat a large cast-iron pot over high heat. Lower the heat to medium-high and add the sausage and bacon. Cook the meat as evenly as possible, stirring slowly, until the fat is released.

2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, add it to the pot, and turn the heat to high. Once the chicken has browned, add the celery, onions, green pepper, and garlic. Continue to stir, allowing the ingredients to brown without burning.

3. Lower the heat to medium and stir in the thyme, bay leaf, paprika, cayenne, and rice. Keep stirring for 5 to 7 minutes over medium heat.

4. Add the tomatoes and broth, raise the heat back to high until the liquid boils, and then cover and reduce to a low simmer for 15 minutes.

5. Season the shrimp and crawfish (if using) with salt and pepper, and add them to the pot. Keep the pot covered for an additional 5 minutes before removing from the heat and adding the green onions. Check for seasonings. Add salt, pepper, and the celery salt.

Makes 8 servings


Oh and that beautiful red Lodge dutch oven? That was an early Christmas gift for me. Have I mentioned how thoughtful and sweet this man is??