Mardi Gras Jambalaya

As usual, I'm late for the holiday (Mardi Gras, yesterday). But this Jambalaya is hearty and delicious and perfect for cold weather. Plus, it's easy to make! And this entire meal really only cost me $30. This can probably feed 4-6 people pretty easy. I've had 4 meals out of it so far and will prob be taking it to work for lunch for the rest of the week.

Jambalaya (serves 4-6)

• dash of vegetable oil
• 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (sliced into 1" disks)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1-2 stalks celery, sliced
• 2 cups rice
• 1 32-oz box of chicken stock
• 1 14-oz can of diced tomatoes
• 1.5 tbsp creole or cajun seasoning
• 1/2 lb frozen shrimp, cooked

1. Take the shrimp out of the freezer and let thaw throughout the whole process. Heat a little bit if oil over medium heat in a large pot or dutch oven. Toss in the sliced sausage and cook. Keep the sausage drippings in the pan.
2. Throw in the sliced onion, green pepper, garlic and celery and cook in the sausage oil until the onions are translucent.
3. Pour in the chicken stock, diced tomatoes and seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Test the rice (by tasting it). If it still needs more time, let it simmer for a little longer. It will probably be a little soupy.
4. When the rice is done (or almost there), throw in the frozen shrimp and stir in with a large spoon for 2-5 minutes, until the shrimp is warmed. Some of the soupiness will evaporate through this process and give it a thick consistency.
5. Enjoy!