Quick Cajun Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a tasty rice dish with meats and vegetables that can be cooked easily at home. The original recipe we found at Food Network calls for shrimp, chicken and Andouille sausage. To make things easier and quicker, we only put the sausage in, and cook the rice ahead of time, but it still tastes good.

Ingredients needed:
2 tablespoons Creole seasoning, recipe follows
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
2 stalks of celery, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 cup chopped tomatoes
3 bay leaves
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons hot sauce
1.5 cups rice, cooked ahead of time
1 package of Andouille sausage (12 oz), sliced
salt and pepper

In a large saucepan heat oil over high heat with onion, pepper and celery, 3 minutes. Add garlic, tomatoes, bay leaves, Worcestershire and hot sauces. Reduce heat to medium, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add sausage, cook until meat is done, about 5 minutes more. Add cooked rice, mix well. Season to taste with salt, pepper and Creole seasoning.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning:
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Yield: 2/3 cup