Happy Mardi Gras! (recipe for Jambalaya)

In honor of, well, February I guess, I decided to make Jambalaya for dinner this week.  This super simple recipe turned out great, although it made enough to feed a small army!

CHICKEN & SAUSAGE JAMBALAYA

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, diced
½ red pepper, diced
2 ribs celery, diced
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon whole thyme
½ teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 package sausage, sliced thinly
1 lb chicken, cut into chunks
½ cup white wine
1 can diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato Paste
2 cups white rice
1 large can chicken broth
¼ teaspoon salt

Heat oil in a large roasting or sauté pan over high heat. Add onions, peppers, celery, Creole seasoning, pepper, thyme, chili powder and garlic; cook for 5 minutes. Add sausage and chicken and cook an additional 5 minutes. Stir in wine, tomatoes, tomato paste, rice, chicken broth and salt, cover, and cook over low heat approximately 30 to 40 minutes, until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Salt to taste and serve.

If you are making it for two adults, I'd cut it in half. Its a little bit spicy so you can cut down on the Cayenne pepper to make friendly for all ages. Although my 1 year old did demand to try it and then ran off with the spoon to lick it clean!