Poor Man's Jambalaya

Poor Man's Jambalaya

Course :	Cajun
From:	HungryMonster.com

Ingredients:

		---seasoning mix---
4	whole	bay leaves
1	teaspoon	salt
1	teaspoon	white pepper
1	teaspoon	dry mustard
1/4	teaspoon	ground red pepper -- (cayenne)
1	teaspoon	gumbo file -- (i.e. file powder)
1/2	teaspoon	ground cumin
1/2	teaspoon	black pepper
1/2	teaspoon	dried thyme leaves
		---meats---
4	tablespoons	margarine or oil for frying
1	pound	more or less of ham -- diced, firm and lean is best.
1	pound	smoked sausage -- diced (Eckridge)
		---vegetables and rice---
1 1/2	cups	chopped onions.
1 1/2	cups	chopped celery
1	cup	chopped green bell peppers -- (may substitute red bell peppers for color if they are cheap)
1 1/2	teaspoons	minced or chopped fresh garlic
2	cups	uncooked rice (Uncle Bens converted)
4	cups	chicken stock

Preparation:

Total time, including chopping, approximately 2 hours. Serves 4 as a main course, or 8 one cup appetizers. mix seasoning into a small dish and set aside. Heat large cast iron skillet (Dutch oven) over medium high heat. Add margarine or oil. Add the ham and sausage; cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Add the onions, celery, bell peppers, seasoning mix and garlic. Stir well, lower heat to medium and continue cooking until browned -- about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often and scraping pan bottom well. Stir in the rice and cook 5 minutes, scraping pan bottom occasionally. Add the stock, stirring well. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to a low simmer. Simmer covered about 35-45 minutes until rice is tender and until all the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally toward the end of cooking time.