Poor Man's Jambalaya

Poor Man's Jambalaya

Ingredients
* 4 small whole bay leaves
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon dry mustard
* 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 1 teaspoon gumbo file powder
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon thyme
* 4 tablespoons margarine
* 6 ounces smoked ham, diced
* 6 ounces smoked sausage or kielbasa
* 1 1/2 cups onion, chopped
* 1 cup green pepper, chopped
* 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
* 2 cups uncooked rice (converted)
* 4 cups beef, pork or chicken stock

Instructions

1. Combine bay leaves, salt, mustard, cayenne, file, cumin, pepper, and thyme in a small bowl and set aside.

2. In a large heavy (preferably cast iron) skillet, melt margarine over high heat.

3. Add ham and sausage, cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add onions, celery, bell peppers, and garlic.

5. Cook until brown, about 10-12 minutes, stirring and scraping the bottom.

6. Stir in rice and cook 5 minutes, stirring and scraping.

7. Add the stock, stir well.

8. Bring mixture to boil; reduce heat and simmer until rice is tender but still crunchy, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

9. Remove bay leaves before serving.