Slow-Cooker Jambalaya

 

I inherited a love of Cajun food from my Dad. Not that he is at all Cajun. He just likes the food. New Orleans is one of my parents' favorite destination spots, and they've vacationed there several times. I've never been, but maybe someday. Until then, I can bring the Big Easy to me with this jambalaya.

I'm always happy to find a slow-cooker recipe I enjoy. I'm not a huge fan of what crockpots do to most proteins, chicken in particular, but this recipe works out great. I'm not accustomed to a ton of spice, and this was just on the side of being too much for me. I might halve the spices next time and go from there. Also be sure to keep the rice separate for storing left overs, otherwise it'll suck up all the broth. Ask me how I know.

EDIT (9/19/13)- First, thank you to everyone who has made this my most viewed recipe, and has circulated it around Pinterest! I love seeing it still pop up there still to this day. There have been many comments about the categorizing of this recipe as a true Jambalaya. Some of you feel very strongly about this (some so strong I had to delete a few nasty comments-- come on, folks, perspective). Adding the rice straight into the crock pot and allowing it to cook there for about two hours before serving should solve this issue for those who like this drier. I personally like it with a more stew-like consistency, but I'm from Philadelphia-- what do I know? :)

SLOW COOKER JAMBALAYA

1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut up into small pieces
1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
1 28oz can diced tomatoes with juice
1 large onion, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 c chopped celery
1 c chicken broth
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp dried parsley
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 c instant rice

1. Place all ingredients except rice in slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

2. Cook rice according to package instructions. Add rice, as desired, into each individual serving of jambalaya. Store rice separately from rest of stew.

Source: Allrecipes

This recipe is shared with Melt in Your Mouth Monday, Craft-O-Maniac, On the Menu Monday, Recipe Sharing Monday, Made by You Monday, Tuesday Talent Show, This Chick Cooks, Full Plate Thursday, Foodie Friday, Sweets for a Saturday

Black Bean Chili

A couple of weeks ago, our grocery store had a display of cans of organic black beans being sold at a steep discount. The cans had apparently fallen off a truck and gotten dinged up in the process, but there was nothing wrong with the beans inside the can. Never able to resist a good deal, I picked up a few cans. The next week, I picked up a few more cans. And then the next week.

I came to have more black beans on hand than I had recipes to deal with them. So I came up with this chili recipe. The ultra lean ground beef makes this chili a healthy option, something that is, unfortunately, sorely lacking from my usual recipe repertoire. It's quick to prepare and cooks in a crockpot, perfect for busy days. Normally, with chili, I'm a dedicated kidney bean girl. However, my husband said this chili was the best I've ever made, and I've tried dozens of recipes over the years. See, the black beans falling off the truck was a sign!

BLACK BEAN CHILI

• 1 lb very lean ground beef (at least 95% lean)
• 29 oz can tomato sauce
• 3 15oz can organic black bean, drained
• 2 or 3 large tomatoes, diced
• 2 c frozen chopped onion
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt

1. In medium skilled, fully cook and drain ground beef. Transfer to slow cooker (4 quart size or larger). Add all other ingredients to slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours.

Source: Cats and Casseroles original recipe