It’s that time of the year, Mardi Gras! Time to celebrate and feast  before the fast. Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” is the last day of the Carnival season as it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. It’s a huge celebration in Louisiana. But if you cannot make it there, but still want to celebrate, this dish will make you feel like you are right in the heart of New Orleans. Just throw on some colorful beads, play some music and enjoy this spicy meal!

Jambalaya is a favorite among many people in Louisiana. It has so many great flavors and provides chicken, sausage and shrimp. This meal is also very spicy, so if you want to bring it down a notch, just omit the red pepper flakes and hot pepper sauce. But honestly, that’s what makes this so wonderful. Enjoy!

Jambalaya

Ingredients: Serves 4

• 1 tablespoon  olive oil
• 8  ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 links cajun style andoulle sausage, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1/4 cup green onion, diced, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup uncooked organic brown rice
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 8 extra large shrimp, cleaned with tails left intact