Thursday, April 10, 2008

Jambalya Pasta

Semolina's in New Orleans is one of my favorites. This establishment makes just about any dish you can think of with different shapes of pasta. Every meal is a winner. All of their pasta is made on premises using Semolina flour. If you're ever in New Orleans and want to eat where the locals eat and avoid the over-priced tourist traps, give Semolina's a try.



Semolina's inspired this dish and in no way can it compare to their excellent cuisine. Give this one a try because it hits the mark of being very good and a snap to prepare.




Jambalaya Pasta - Heat a pot of water to a boil for 1 lb. of penne rigate pasta and add salt to it then pasta. Cook to al-dente about 9 minutes and drain.




While pasta is boiling, heat a heavy pot over medium high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of butter butter and 1 lb. andouille sausage if available or a good smoked sausage.



Brown the sausage about 10 minutes to render the fat.


Remove with a slotted spoon to drain fat. Add 4 cloves of chopped garlic, 1 poblano pepper seeded and sliced thin (or you can use a jalapeno), 1 red or orange bell pepper seeded and chopped, 2 ribs of celery chopped 1 onion chopped.



Saute the veggies for 7 to 8 minutes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper and add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the pot. Cook flour with veggies 4 minutes more stirring constantly so flour doesn't stick and burn.



Add 1 cup of chicken stock, one 14 ounce can of crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoons of Louisiana Hot Sauce and 1 tablespoons dried thyme leaves.



Bring liquid to a bubble and add reserved sausage and 1/2 pound of peeled shrimp.



Cook 6 to 7 minutes until shrimp are opaque and firm. Stirring occasionally, then add in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Ladle up the jambalaya pasta and top with chopped scallions.

How can this be bad on a Wednesday night?

Reality field trip.

I don't put my dirty pots and pans on a tray and slide them under the counter for the "crew" to wash for me after "the show". Just keepin' it real!

No comments: