New Orleans Style Paella

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 lbs chicken, cut-up, bone-in
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tablespoon parsley, minced
• 1 seeded jalapeno, minced (optional)
• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cups chicken broth
• scant 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 lb shrimp, cooked and cleaned (can cook in microwave, see note below)
• 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced thin
• 1/4 lb ham, diced small
• salt and pepper

Directions

1. 1

   Season cut-up chicken with salt and pepper to taste. (I cut breasts into smaller pieces).

2. 2

   Heat olive oil; add chicken and brown on all sides.

3. 3

   Add 1/4 cup water and oregano; cover and cook until chicken is tender, about 30 minutes.

4. 4

   Remove chicken and set aside.

5. 5

   Saute onion and garlic in pan drippings until tender. Stir in parsley and jalapeno.

6. 6

   In another pot with tight fitting lid, melt butter; add rice and turmeric; saute over low heat for 5 minutes.

7. 7

   Add chicken broth and salt; bring to a boil; cover and cook over low heat 17 minutes.

8. 8

   Add onion and garlic; mix together.

9. 9

   Arrange in layers in a 4 quart casserole the rice, chicken, shrimp, sausage and ham.

10. 10

    Bake 350 degree oven about 30 minutes.

11. 11

    Note: Shelled raw shrimp can be cooked in the microwave. Place shrimp in a microwavable bowl, uncovered and microwave full power for approximately 4 minutes; stirring half way inbetween just until they turn pink. Let stand for 2 minutes. Do not over cook.