Recipe: Dutch Oven Jambalaya

Dutch Oven Jambalaya

1/4 cup Crisco or bacon drippings
3 pounds cubed pork
2 pounds sliced Andouille
2 cups onions, chopped
2 cups celery, chopped
1 cup bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup garlic, diced
8 cups beef or chicken stock
2 cups mushroom, sliced
1 cup green onion, sliced
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
4-5 cups long grain white rice, or use your favorite
Salt and pepper to taste
Louisiana gold hot sauce to taste (about 2 tsp)

In a 8-quart Dutch oven (12 inch deep), heat Crisco or bacon drippings over medium-high heat on cooker(12 charcoal briquettes on bottom only). Saut cubed pork until dark brown on all sides and some pieces are sticking to the bottom of the pot, approximately 30 minutes. This is very important as the brown color of jambalaya is derived from the color of the meat. Add andouille and saut an additional 10-15 minutes. Tilt the pot to one side and ladle out all oil, except for one large cooking spoon. Add onions, celery, bell pepper and garlic. Add vegetables and saut until all vegetables are well caramelized. Be careful, as vegetables will tend to scorch since the pot is so hot. Add beef stock, bring to a rolling boil and reduce heat to simmer (6-8 briquettes on bottom). Cook 15 minutes for flavors to develop. Add mushrooms, green onions and parsley. Season to taste using salt, pepper and Louisiana Gold hot sauce. I suggest that you slightly over-season since the rice tends to require a little extra seasoning. Add rice, cover and simmer (6-8 briquettes on bottom, 10-12 briquettes on top). Cook rice 30-45 minutes, stirring frequently. Serve with French bread. Serves 8-10