Ingredients
2
tsp ground red pepper (preferably cayenne)
1/2
pound chopped tasso (preferred) or other smoked ham (preferably Cure 81), about 2 cups
3/4
pound boneless chicken, cut into bite-size pieces, about 2 cups
1
cup chopped onions, in all
1
cup chopped celery, in all
1
cup chopped green bell peppers, in all
1/2
cup canned tomato sauce
1
cup peeled and chopped tomatoes
1
1/2 cups uncooked rice (preferably converted)
Directions
1.
Combine the seasoning mix ingredients in small bowl and set aside.
2.
Melt the butter in a 2-quart saucepan over high heat. Add the tasso and cook until meat starts to brown, about 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add chicken and continue cooking until chicken is brown, about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently and scraping pan bottom well. Stir in the seasoning mix and 1/2 cup each of the onions, celery, and bell peppers and the garlic. Cook until vegetables start to get tender, about 5 to 8 minutes, stirring fairly constantly and scraping pan bottom as needed. Stir in the tomato sauce and cook about 1 minute, stirring often. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup each of the onions, celery, and bell peppers and the tomatoes. Remove from heat. Stir in the stock and rice, mixing well. Transfer mixture to an ungreased 8x8-inch baking pan. Bake uncovered in a 350° oven until rice is tender but still a bit crunchy, about 1 hour. Remove from oven. Stir well and remove bay leaves Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
3.
To serve, mold rice in an 8-ounce cup and place 2 cups on each serving plate for a main course or 1 cup for an appetizer.
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