I’m learning that I’m terrible at weekly cooking assignments and deadlines. I joined Craving Ellie in my Belly weeks ago thinking it would inspire me to cook more and cook healthy meals. You are probably scratching your head thinking about when you saw a Craving Ellie post. You haven’t.  The only Craving Ellie recipe I’ve made is the one I selected, Ellie’s Jambalaya with Shrimp and Ham.

My dear CEIMB members, I promise to do better! And the chocolate pudding pie looks so good, I might have to make it even though I’m late! xoxo, AnonNY

Jambalaya is one of the things I make that Sports Fan likes best. I have one recipe that is his favorite, but I thought I would try this one, a healthier version of a household staple.

The recipe was good. Not as decadent as what we are used to, perhaps, lacking some of the flavor that the fat from our usual two-meat jambalaya brings, but still very tasty.

Jambalaya with Shrimp and Ham
from Ellie Krieger on the Food Network

1 large onion, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more, to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste
6 ounces diced, smoked ham
2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can no-salt added diced tomatoes
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp
Hot pepper sauce

Directions

Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over a medium heat. Add the onion, peppers and garlic and saute until they begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Mix in the next 11 ingredients, salt through the diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Stir in the rice, cover, reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until rice is done and most of the liquid is absorbed. Add the shrimp and cook, covered, for 5 minutes more, or until shrimp is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve with hot pepper sauce.