Jambalaya #2 (bernard clayton~ jr.)

12 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
Shells from 2 lb raw shrimp
6cupsWater
6Peppercorns
½cupChopped onion
1Rib celery, chopped
1Bay leaf
1poundsCreole-Cajun sausage, in 1\" Pieces (Andouille, Boudin blanc, Boudin rouge OR a polish sausage (Kielbasa)
1poundsSmoked ham, in 1/2\" cubes Tasso ham preferred
1cupFinely chopped green peppers
1cupFinely chopped celery
2cupsFinely chopped onion
1cloveGarlic, minced
½cupTomato puree
1can(16 oz) tomatoes OR
1cupRipe tomtoes, peeled, seeded chopped
1Recipe shrimp broth OR
7cupsFish stock
½teaspoonDried thyme
1Bay leaf
1teaspoonDried oregano, crushed
1teaspoonRed pepper or to taste
½teaspoonDried basil
1teaspoonFreshly ground black pepper
cupRaw rice (Texmati, if it's available)
2cupsShucked oysters
1poundsFresh crab meat, picked over
1cupFinely chopped green onions

Directions

BROTH

STEW

BROTH: Peel and devein the shrimp and set the meat aside. Put the shells and other ingredients into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer 20 minutes. Strain the broth through a chinois or seive. Much of the flavor is in the shells, so press and pound with a heavy spoon or pestle until all the moisture has been extracted. Discard shell residue and reserve broth. STEW: Drop the sausage pieces into a large, heated saucepan or casserole and sear over medium-high heat. Stir frequently. Cook for about 10 minutes. The sausage will render considerable fat as it cooks. Pour off and discard all but 1 tablespoon of the fat.

Add the ham pieces and continue cooking, stirring often, for an additional 10 minutes.

Add the peppers, celery, onions, and garlic. Scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon or spatula as the mixture cooks to loosen and incorporate the brown particles stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Cook about 15 minutes.

Add tomato puree and tomatoes. Stir to blend and cook together for about 3 minutes.

Pour in the reserved broth and bring to a boil. Add thyme, bay leaf, oregano, red pepper, basil and black pepper. Cook over low heat for 1 hour.

Add rice, cover and cook for 15 minutes.

Add reserved shrimp, oysters, and crab and cook 5 minutes more.

Stir in the green onions. Taste for salt.

To Serve: Ladle from the pot or heated tureen into leated large, shallow soup bowls.