Sunny's Simple Jambalaya

Step 1

For the meat: Add the oil to a large pot or Dutch oven and heat over medium-high heat. When the oil begins to swirl, add the sausage and allow the rounds to get color while stirring occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove to a plate with a slotted spoon, leaving the fat in the pot. Add the chicken and Cajun seasoning to the pot. Cook to get color on the chicken just like the sausage, 6 to 8 minutes, then remove to the same plate with a slotted spoon.

Step 2

For the veggies: Lower the heat to medium. Add the thyme, celery, bell peppers, onion, red pepper flakes, a pinch of salt (remember the Cajun seasoning has salt!) and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook while stirring until everything is tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the filé powder and crushed tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the color deepens and the contents of the pot thickens, 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 3

To finish: Add the chicken stock base and 4 cups water to the pot. Return the chicken and sausage and any collected juices to the pot. Stir in the rice. Turn the heat down to low, cover and cook until the rice is tender, about 25 minutes.

Step 4

Add the shrimp to the pot along with a few shakes of hot sauce. Stir and cover. Cook until the shrimp is pink and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes more. Serve topped with the scallion greens and a dusting of filé powder.