1 tablespoon canola oil
2/3 pound andouille sausage, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 large red bell pepper, cut into a large dice
1 large onion, cut into a large dice
3 ribs celery, cut into a large dice
1 large head garlic, peeled and minced
Cayenne pepper, as needed
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 large tomatoes, cored, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled
1 pint shucked oysters
2 bay leaves
3 cups long-grain rice, soaked in 3 changes of water
3 cups shrimp stock or water
2 bunches green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste
Jambalaya is a versatile dish; different combinations of other ingredients can work in this recipe. After adding the rice, be careful when stirring, the less stirring the better. You don't want to pull our excessive starch from the grain--this is not risotto. While simmering, be sure rice is not sticking to the bottom; you might need to add a little water or turn down the heat. If no andouille is available, substitute other sausages, smoked sausage is the best.