Quick and Authentic Jambalaya

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen work fine)
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped (1 medium)
• 1/3 cup celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup green sweet pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 8 ounces andouille sausages or kielbasa, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 3/4 cup long grain rice, uncooked
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup cooked ham, cubed

Directions

1. 1

   1. Thaw shrimp, if frozen. Set shrimp aside.

2. 2

   In a 12-inch skillet cook onion, celery, sweet pepper, and garlic in hot oil until tender.

3. 3

   Stir in chicken broth, undrained tomatoes, sausage, rice, thyme, basil, black pepper, red pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.

4. 4

   Stir in shrimp. Return to boiling. Simmer, covered, about 5 minutes more or until shrimp turn opaque and rice is tender.

5. 5

   Stir in ham; heat through. Discard bay leaf and enjoy hot with crusty bread on the side.