Happy Fat Tuesday – Jambalaya Recipe

I found this Jambalaya recipe two or three years ago and have been making it ever since.  I figured since it was the end of Mardi Gras I should do a little something since I’m not out drinking my face off like I would have been when I was in college… and in my early twenties.

It’s a cooking light recipe.  I’ve modified it a little, but not much.  So, the recipe and steps provided by Cooking Light, the pictures provided by me…

Cooking Light Recipe

• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (I used olive oil)
• 1/4 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces (I only used chicken breast)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup chopped smoked turkey sausage (about 4 ounces) (I used leftover kielbasa)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper (I used a whole green pepper and half a red pepper because I like the flavor)
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice (I used brown rice)
• 2 3/4 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons paprika (skipped all three of these – paprika, thyme and red pepper – and subbed with a cajun seasoning that I have)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/4 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped $
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions (optional)

Preparation

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and black pepper. Add chicken to pan, and cook 5 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Remove chicken from pan; cover and keep warm. Add sausage to pan; cook 5 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.  Remove from pan.
2. Add 1 cup onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic; cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 12 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in rice; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add broth, paprika, thyme, and red pepper; bring to a boil.
5. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Add chicken, sausage and tomatoes; cook, uncovered, 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
6. Stir in shrimp; cover and cook 5 minutes or until shrimp are done. Remove from heat, and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Sprinkle with green onions.

So hope you all have a good week!  I’m still trying to decide what to give up for Lent… one friend is talking about giving up Facebook… I’m not sure I have the willpower.  Any suggestions?

Tags: jambalaya recipe