Join me for a savory episode as I welcome special guest, Lydia! Lydia Nicholas is an experienced cook, and she's here to share her mouth-watering jambalaya dish that will make your taste buds dance. But the deliciousness doesn't stop there; she's also got some sweet treats that are the perfect finish to any meal. In addition to her culinary expertise, Lydia has a helpful book on how to approach food, and she shares some great advice to help you start hospitality as soon as your guests walk in the door. To know what her must-have kitchen item is, you've got to listen till the end! We're so glad you're here! (Visit comeoverfordinner.com for recipes, product links, and more!)
Jambalaya (adapted from Gimme Some Oven and The Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook)
Ingredients: Olive oil 2 pounds kielbasa sausage links, cut into ½ inch slices 4 large chicken breasts 3 bell peppers (pick your favorite color), chopped 4 celery stalks, chopped 2 yellow onions, finely chopped Cajun or Creole seasoning (even though these are not the same thing), such as Tony’s Chachere’s or Slap Ya Mama 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes 3 cups rice Chicken broth, if needed Serve with: Salad, optional Sweet tea Your favorite dessert such as chocolate mousse or apple pie
Directions:
1. Splash some olive oil in your pan. Sauté sausage until browned and crispy; transfer to a plate. Add chopped vegetables to pan and sauté. While they sauté, poach the chicken. I use my Ninja foodie to quickly pressure cook the chicken to keep it tender. Finely chop cooked chicken. Add meats to veggies in pan and sprinkle liberally with seasoning. Cook rice (also use Ninja pressure cooker). Add crushed tomatoes to veggies and meat, stir, and add cooked rice. If it looks dry add a splash of chicken broth, otherwise check seasonings and enjoy!
2. Cooking it separately this way allows you to adjust quantities easily. Just add more of something!
Original Recipes:
Jambalaya Recipe | Gimme Some Oven
Mom's Blender Chocolate Mousse with Lemon Cream Recipe | Bon Appétit (bonappetit.com)
The Big Haus Cookbook contains the delicious Summerville Apple Pie: