JAMBALAYA

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into pieces
• 1 pound andouille sausage(qeema ki tiki or aant) , sliced into rounds
• 3 small bell peppers diced (I used a yellow, red and green bell pepper)
• 2 ribs celery(ajwain), diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper finely chopped
• 1 white onion
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 3–4 cups chicken stock(yakhni)
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (msala)
• 1 tsp dried thyme(jungli podina), crushed
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper(lal mrch)
• 1 bay leaf(taij pat)
• 1 pound raw large shrimp(jheenga), peeled and deveined
• 1 cup sliced okra
• salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley,sliced green onions, hot sauce

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a very large, deep sauté pan over medium high heat.  Add the chicken and sausage and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sausage is lightly browned.  Transfer to a clean plate and set aside.
2. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil to the stock pot.  Add bell peppers, celery, jalapeño, onion and garlic. Sauté for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened.
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3. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, rice, Cajun seasoning, thyme, cayenne, bay leaf, and stir to combine.  Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a simmer.  Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is nearly cooked through, stirring every 5 minutes or so along the way so that the rice does not burn.
4. Add the shrimp, okra, and stir to combine. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are cooked through and pink. Stir in the chicken and sausage, and remove and discard the bay leaf.
5. Taste season the jambalaya with salt, pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning if needed.   Remove from heat.
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6. Serve warm with your desired garnishes.  Or refrigerate and store in a sealed container for up to 3 days.