GULF SHRIMP JAMBALAYA

Gulf Shrimp Jambalaya image

Provided by Anne Burrell

Time 1h45m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 pounds medium Gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined, shells reserved
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound andouille sausage, cut into rounds
2 green bell peppers, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice
3 ribs celery, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 Spanish onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
Kosher salt
Pinch crushed red pepper
3 cloves garlic, smashed and finely chopped
One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups long-grain rice
2 fresh bay leaves
1 bundle fresh thyme
5 scallions, whites and greens thinly sliced, for garnish

Steps:

For the shrimp stock: toss the shrimp shells in a large pot and fill with water. Bring the water to a boil, turn off the heat and let sit for at least 15 to 20 minutes, although longer is fine. Strain the shells and discard.
Coat a large, wide pot with olive oil and bring to medium-high heat. Add the andouille and cook until the sausage starts to brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the peppers, celery, and onions to the pan; season with salt and a pinch crushed red pepper. Cook until the mixture has softened and is very aromatic, 7 to 8 minutes. Toss in the garlic and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes. Add the tomatoes and cayenne. Stir in the rice.
Add 4 cups of the shrimp stock, the bay leaves and the thyme bundle to the pot. Season with salt and taste it to make sure you are on the way to something delicious. Cover and cook over medium heat for 25 minutes.
Stir in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, another 5 to 7 minutes. Serve garnished with chopped scallions.