Easy Jambalaya

This is an off-the-cuff take on a Cajun favorite that I played with yesterday. The family loved the result! I used what I had on-hand, but I put some alternatives in parenthesis.

1 lb. diced boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 lb. shrimp (I used salad shrimp)
1 lb. diced Andouille sausage (smoked sausage would work also)
1 pkg. fresh mushrooms, diced
1 c. diced onion
2 Tbsp. minced garlic
2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper (or to-taste)
1 can Hunts garlic & herb pasta sauce (or 1 large can minced tomatoes)
2 tbsp. Olive oil
4 c. prepared rice (or pasta)

In large pot, saute meats, mushrooms, and spices in olive oil until cooked thoroughly. Add sauce (tomatoes) and reduce heat. Simmer 15 minutes, stirring often. Serve over rice (noodles).
NOTE: This would also be a great meal to make in a slow cooker.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 8

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Hawaiian Shrimp over Thai Noodles

1 lb. peeled medium shrimp
2 Tbsp. minced garlic
2 Tsp. grated fresh ginger
1 1/2 cans light coconut milk
1 c. crushed pineapple
1 c. shredded coconut
1 1/2 c. steamed edamame (shelled) (optional)
Prepared Thai Rice Noodles

In a large skillet, heat up shrimp, ginger & garlic. You may need a small amount of olive oil or nonstick spray to keep it from sticking. Cook over medium to high heat until shrimp is cooked through. Reduce heat and add coconut milk. Stir constantly until bubbly. Add pineapple and coconut. Reduce heat to medium low, stirring constantly until it is bubbly. In a separate pan (or microwave) steam edamame. Drain & add to shrimp mixture (or serve on the side for those who don't like edamame). Serve over prepared Thai Rice Noodles.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serves 5-6 people

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Mojito Shrimp Tacos

1-2 lbs. shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 pkg. sliced mushrooms
1/4 c. tequila
1-2 Tbsp. crushed garlic
1/2 c. minced cilantro
1-2 jalapeño peppers, diced
1/2 c. lime juice
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/4 c. diced green onions or shallots
1/4 c. chopped fresh mint
1-2 roma tomatoes, chopped
Steamed flour tortillas

In high-sided frying pan, sautee shrimp, mushrooms and garlic in tequila until shrimp is done. In a separate bowl, mix lime juice and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Add cilantro and mint and mix well. Add shrimp mixture and stir until coated. Spoon into tortillas and garnish with tomatoes and green onions.

prep time: 30 min.
cook time: 15 min.
serves: 5+ people

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Clam Sauce

I give credit for this one to my mom, who told me how she makes it... I have added a few things of my own.

2 c. milk
1/2 c. flour
1/4 c. olive oil
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 lg. can clams
1 tsp. Italian Seasoning
pinch salt
pinch pepper
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese (OK to use the kind in the shaker- I do!)

In large sauce pan, mix together milk, olive oil and flour. Whisk to get the lumps out. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until creamy. Add garlic powder, Italian Seasoning, salt, pepper, cheese and clams (including the juice that is in the can). Stir constantly over medium heat until creamy and bubbly again. Serve over prepared spaghetti.

prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 1/2 hour or so
serves: 5 people

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Shrimp & Red Potatoes

1 lb. large shrimp, peeled & deveined
5 medium sized red potatoes, diced with skins on
1 carton fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 whole bulb garlic, peeled
1/2 tbsp. Italian Seasoning
1 tsp. Cayenne Pepper (or to taste)
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

Mix all ingredients in a large pan and sautee over medium heat until potatoes are soft and done. Add more oil only if you need it. Usually takes about 1/2 hour to cook through.

prep time: 15 min (can be longer if you have frozen shrimp)
cook time: 30 min or so
feeds: 5 people

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Creole Shrimp

1 lb. shrimp, peeled & deveined (I use salad shrimp usually)
1 diced red pepper
1 diced celery stalk
1 diced onion
2 diced garlic cloves (or 1 Tbsp. chopped garlic)
2 crushed bay leaves
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1 can Hunts Onion & Garlic Spaghetti sauce (or 1 large can of tomato sauce)
1 tsp. cayenne pepper (or more if you like it spicy)

In a high-sided frying pan, sautee onion, pepper, garlic & celery until tender on medium heat. Stir in spaghetti sauce, bay leaves, and shrimp. Bring to bubbly, then simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Serve over rice.

prep time: 10 min.
cook time: 1/2 hour
Serves: 5 people

• 
• 
• 
• 
•