Jambalaya Made Simple!

When I grocery shop, and I do very often, I'm always looking for something simple that I (us men) can cook.  This week I wanted some good'ol Louisiana cooking, like I used to get when I was stationed at Biloxi back in the 60s.

Suddenly, I spotted this big can of Simple Suppers, made by Margaret Homes, on the shelf.  I grabbed it and read, "Just add meat!"...man, that's for me, I almost said out loud! 

And, it is that simple!  

I cut up the kielbasa I'd been saving, browned it in some olive oil and garlic, and whalah, it was ready for the can of jambalaya!

I almost didn't have time for my Crown libation it was so quick and easy!

We had some leftover cornbread, and together it was delicious!

One some complaint "Margret", it was a touch too salty!  Maybe folks should consider adding a pinch of sugar to cut that down a notch.

Next time... 

A LITTLE JAMBALAYA SOUP

I made a little quick mix jambalaya soup this evening for Judy.  She's not feeling her best, so supper was up to me.  I don't mind, 'cause it gives me an excuse to sample a little of my giant bottle of Glenmorangie! 

I bought the soup mix at the Fresh Market in Knoxville, and immediately thought, "this would be perfect for kielbasa"...forget the shrimp! 

The mix is intended to be a delicious take on the traditional southern dish! With the addition of shrimp (substituted kielbasa) this jambalaya soup mix makes a tantalizing meal.

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Jambalaya Soup Mix Ingredients:

Saffron, basmati rice, carrots, red and green peppers, onions, freeze-dried black olives, scallions, rosemary, cayenne pepper and turmeric. No added salt, preservatives or MSG.

Recipe Additions:

6 cups chicken broth (or part clam juice)
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes (with garlic if available) or Rotel canned tomatoes (I added red pepper instead of the Rotel heat!  However, I learned after the first bite that's the mix includes the HEAT!)

Optional: 1 cup cubed ham, 1 pound medium shrimp, shelled and de-veined (or crab, clams, scallops or crayfish)

Jambalaya Recipe Directions:

Bring broth to a boil and add jambalaya soup mix. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add tomatoes including juice and ham, if desired. Bring back to a simmer and add shrimp, if desired. Cook 5 minutes longer and serve.

Inventive Recipe Variations:

I added a can of shoe-peg corn, and one of diced potatoes!

Jambalaya Recipe:

For a jambalaya rice dish instead of soup, do the following:

Prepare as above but use only 4 cups chicken broth. Leave out the shrimp and serve as a side dish to grilled fish.