david's mardi gras jambalaya

How To Make david's mardi gras jambalaya

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  Step 1
  In a very large heavy pot 10-12 quart (cast iron is best) add the canola oil and bring up to a high temp. Once the oil is hot add the chicken, beef, pork and sausage. We are looking to brown the meat. This creates what's called graton (the dark brown yummies left sticking to the bottom of the pot) this is very important in making a good jambalaya. Using a wooden spoon stir occasionally to make sure all of the meat gets browned. Don't over stir here as the meat needs to brown, so allow to sizzle for a minute or two before stirring. But make sure it's browning. DO NOT COVER THE POT! Note: Keep on high heat throughout the cooking process until everything is in the pot and ready to be covered.
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  Step 2
  Once the meat is browned sufficiently, add the onions, celery, bell pepper, garlic and other seasonings. Using a wooden spoon stir occasionally. When stirring make sure you are scrapping the bottom of the pot as you do so the graton gets mixed in. Continue to cook until the aromatics are tender. Do not overcook them! Maybe saute them for 10-15 mins. DO NOT COVER THE POT!
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  Step 3
  Before you add the tomatoes (read this: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/sauce-spread-other-sauce-spread/removing-the-bitter-taste-from-canned-tomatoes.html Andy is spot on with how to remove the bitter taste from canned tomatoes and tomato paste) and tomato paste. Mix everything in the pot thoroughly until comes back to a simmer Stir occasionally for 3-5 minutes. DO NOT COVER THE POT!
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  Step 4
  Now add the rice, chicken and beef stocks and bay leaves Mix well. NOTE: "we want about a 1 3/4' -2 : 1 ratio of liquid to rice ie: 1 3/4 cup - 2 cups water to 1 cup rice. " Once all ingredients are in the pot and it returns to a boil, turn the heat down to a medium heat and cover the pot. Continue to cook covered for 20 minutes. Make sure there is steam coming out from under the lid. If not turn up the heat a bit. This needs to slow boil or simmer the whole time under lid, not boil over. You can check the contents of the pot after about 5 minutes of cooking and mix contents one last time, make sure the liquid is bubbling. NOW YOU CAN COVER THE POT :)
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  Step 5
  After about 20 minutes of cooking you need to check that the rice is almost done by chewing a grain or two. (Sure go ahead and get a big spoonful, You know you want to) Do not stir the pot contents, if the rice is still chewy in the middle add a few cups of broth over the top of the jambalaya. Cover the pot and continue to cook another 5-10 minutes.
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  Step 6
  Turn off heat and let rest for about 20 minutes or so before serving. DO NOT UNCOVER THE POT UNTIL IT'S SAT FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. The rice will continue to cook while under lid. Take the cover off the pot and stir from the bottom of the pot and then serve. If you like you can garnish with chopped green onions.
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