Andouille and Chicken Jambalaya

Happy Mardi Gras-Fat Tuesday-Shrove Tuesday. What could be better for this day than a great jambalaya with tender moist rice.

There are so many versions of jambalaya, some have tomatoes, others not. You might find a jambalaya made with beef, pork ribs, duck and even crawfish, depending on what is available. The only common ingredient is rice. Create your own jambalaya.

This is really very easy. My instructions are just a bit lengthy. Also linking to Tuesdays at the Table. Come join us.

Andouille and Chicken Jambalaya
10-12 servings
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 cups chopped onions
1 cup chopped bell pepper
3 teaspoons salt
1 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 pound andouille, chorizo, or other smoked sausage, cut crosswise in 1/4-inch slices
1 1/2 pounds boneless white and dark chicken meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 bay leaves
3 cups medium-grain white rice
6 cups water
1 cup chopped green onions

Heat the oil in a large cast-iron Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions, bell peppers, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoonn of the cayenne. Stirring often, brown the vegetables for about 20 minutes, or until they are caramelized and dark brown in color. Scrape the bottom and sides of the pot to loosen any browned particles. Add the sausage and cook, stirring often for 10 to 15 minutes, scraping the bottom and sides of the pot to loosen any browned particles.

Season the chicken with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne. Add the chicken and the bay leaves to the pot. Brown the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned particles.

Add the rice and stir for 2 or 3 minutes to coat it evenly. Add the water, stir to combine, and cover. Cook over medium heat for 30 to 35 minutes, without stirring, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove the pot from the heat and let stand, covered for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the bay leaves.

Stir in the green onions and serve.