Jambalaya

[Iceassin]

If your looking for something different to take on the ice , try this tasty little Cajun dish. It's a big hit around the Iceassin household every winter. Makes plenty and freezes well.

I would suggest getting all ingredients prepared before you start cooking. This dish takes some time to make but won't disappoint...enjoy!

Mix following seasonings and set aside:

4 small bay leaves crumbled
1 t. salt
1 t. white pepper (see bottom of page before measuring)
1 t. dry mustard   (see bottom of page before measuring)
1 t. cayenne         (see bottom of page before measuring)
1 t. gumbo file powder
1/2 t. cumin
1/2 t. black pepper
1/2 t. dried thyme leaves

For the following processes, I'd suggest using oven gloves/mitts or the like as your hands can get quite warm

4 T. butter
10 to 12 oz. skinless chicken breasts cut into pieces
10 to 12 oz. skinless, sliced kielbasa or smoked sausage

In large skillet or dutch oven (what I use) , melt butter over high heat. Add chicken and sausage stirring occasionaly so meats don't burn...about 5 minutes.
 
Then add:

1.5 cups chopped onion
1.5 cups chopped celery
1.5 cups green pepper
1.5 t. minced garlic
Prepared seasoings from above

Continue cooking on high stirring constantly, cook until all ingredients are browned but not burned, scraping the bottom well...about 10 minutes.

Then add:

2 cups uncooked converted rice, continuing to scrape and stir...about 5 minutes.

Then add:

4 cups chicken stock and stir well, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. During last 10 minutes of cooking, add:

1/2 to 1 lb. cooked shrimp (optional)

1 t. of these 3 ingredients make this dish quite "hot". For a more "medium" heat, use 1/2 t. each, for "mild", 1/4 t. each.

Serve Jumbalaya with a nice, warm loaf of french bread.
 

[Rebelss]

looks tatsy to me...but...what the heck is a "Gumbo file powder?"   

[Iceassin]

looks tatsy to me...but...what the heck is a "Gumbo file powder?"   

Funny you should ask Reb. It's a thickening agent that is used mostly in gumbo. It may be hard to find in some areas as it has been known ? to cause cancer, but what hasn't nowadays. 

http://generalhorticulture.tamu.edu/prof/recipes/file-sassafras/file.html

[Rebelss]

Oh poo....!!! It's Sassafras!!!! They used to use that in root beer, and I've had tea made out of it!!! I'll have to look for it...

[Iceassin]

Oh...and after making this the first time, I decided to make some chili using the same spices, then about a teaspoon of brown sugar in each bowl when serving. I took 2nd place out of 12 at a chili cook-off where I used to work.

I called it "Ragin' Cajun Bayou Chili"  ..................... ........

[war eagle]

Your recipe sounds good but to make it easier on the ice(and you) try buying a box of Zatrarain's Jambalaya mix.I just cut up some peppers into good sized squares (not diced) thow in some shrimp,jumbo scallops and or just some summer sausage let 'er boil and voila' instant hot and dam good meal in about a 1/2 hour.

[Iceassin]

Your recipe sounds good but to make it easier on the ice(and you) try buying a box of Zatrarain's Jambalaya mix.I just cut up some peppers into good sized squares (not diced) thow in some shrimp,jumbo scallops and or just some summer sausage let 'er boil and voila' instant hot and dam good meal in about a 1/2 hour.

I've had the Zatarains and like it, especially with the add-ins but...nuthin' beats homemade 

[addicted to ice fishing]

Sounds delicious! Can't wait to try it.

[rgfixit]

Sounds great bud!

We have a guy who brings a File Gumbo to our game dinner every year. As one of the cooks, I'm charged with assuring quality fare for our guests so.......I get to taste first

Love those good Cajun dishes. I have several of Justin Wilson's books. Loved his TV shows.

Whatever happened to the real, down home cooking show like that. Now it's all celebrity competition

RG

[blufloyd]

Good file' would turn that batch green... I noticed you left out tomatoes so my coonass buds will give you a thumbs up but leave the file' out of the Jamb pot. File' is best used post cooking pre eating if you got to do it.

I buy my sausage at the Galliano, La Wally World...

[Iceassin]

Good file' would turn that batch green... I noticed you left out tomatoes so my coonass buds will give you a thumbs up but leave the file' out of the Jamb pot. File' is best used post cooking pre eating if you got to do it.

I buy my sausage at the Galliano, La Wally World...

I use Burma brand file and mine has never turned green 

I got this recipe from a restaurant in New Orleans back in the 80's when my wife and I were down there on vacation. Spent a week there during one of their outdoor food festivals...man - oh - man ! 

[traveler05]

Instead of shrimp I have used perch. just make sure to put them on at the last minute or they will just crumble into the rice.although that isnt so bad either.

[roostertail]

crawfish tail meat rather than or in addition to shrimp

[roostertail]

Oh, and use andouille sausage if you can find it!!!