Shrimp jambalaya

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1cupCoarse chopped yellow onion
2mediumsGarlic cloves peeled and minced
1cupChopped sweet green pepper
¾cupFinely diced celery
4tablespoonsBacon drippings
3tablespoonsMinced parsley
6ouncesSmoked ham cut in 3/8-in cubes
1largeBay leaf; crumbled
½teaspoonCrumbled leaf thyme
¼teaspoonCayenne pepper
teaspoonSalt (or to taste)
1canTomatoes (1 lb, 14-oz)
1canTomato sauce (8 oz)
cupCold water
cupUncooked converted rice
poundsMedium shrimp, raw, shelled, deveined

Directions

SET A LARGE KETTLE (not made of iron) over moderate heat. Saute the onion, garlic, green pepper and celery in the bacon drippings for 8 to 10 minutes until they are limp and golden. Add the parsley, ham cubes, bay leaf, thyme and cayenne pepper. Saute, stirring often, for 5 to 6 minutes. Add the salt, tomatoes and their juice, tomato sauce and water. Simmer the kettle, uncovered, for 5 minutes, breaking up any large clumps of tomatoes. Adjust the burner heat so that the mixture simmers gently. Stir in the rice, cover the kettle, and boil the rice for 40 minutes. Add the shrimp, tossing the mixture lightly to distribute them evenly. Cover the kettle and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes longer, until the shrimp are cooked through, the rice is done, and almost all of the liquid has been absorbed. Taste the jambalaya and add the cayenne pepper and salt, if needed. Makes 6 to 8 Servings