Jambalaya

About 2 weeks ago a couple of friends moved just next door. The first day we had a dinner at out place. The men really wanted something meaty, while the ladies were craving for fishy. So we compromised on the mix of the two (if you could call meat the chicken and fish the shrimps :P ). Was a nice dish, easy to cook and very tasty! And it also looks just great (well this picture is probably not th best :P)!

INGREDIENTS:

1kg chicken fillet, chopped in pieces

30 large shrimps, peeled

300 gr raw smoked ham, diced

1/2 cup flour

3 medium onions, sliced

2 sweet green peppers, seeded and diced

400 gr ripe tomatoes, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

2 tsp dried thyme

350 gr long-grain rice, washed

1 large cup water

1 bunch spring onions, finely chopped

1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

3-4 tbsp olive oil

1. In a large flameproof casserole heat the oil and brown the chicken. Remove the chicken from the casserole and set aside.

2. Lower the heat, sprinkle the flour onto the fat in the pan and stir continuously until the mixture turns golden brown.

3. Return the chicken to the pan, add the ham, onions, pepper, tomatoes, garlic and thyme and cook for about 15 minutes, then add the shrimps.

4. Add the rice and the water to the pan. Season with salt and pepper and bring to the boil. Lower the heat and keep cooking, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Add more water if necessary.

5. Once the rice is cooked, mix in the spring onions and parsley and serve hot.