Orzolaya

A Cajun-inspired dish by Chef Jimmy Bannos of the famous Heaven on Seven in Chicago, IL.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 3 (4 ounce)  boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons  cajun seasoning, divided
• 1  tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 6  ounces andouille sausages, cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 2  tablespoons tasso, finely diced
• 2  tablespoons  smoked pork shoulder, finely shredded
• 1⁄4 cup green bell pepper, seeded, finely diced
• 1⁄2 cup celery, finely diced
• 1⁄2 cup scallion, thinly sliced
• 2  tablespoons yellow onions, finely diced
• 2  tablespoons red onions, finely diced
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons  jalapenos, seeded and minced
• 1  bay leaf
• 1 1⁄2 cups plum tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1  teaspoon  roasted garlic paste
• 6  ounces small shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8  ounces  dried orzo pasta, cooked according to package directions
• 1 1⁄2 cups  chicken stock
• 1⁄4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  hot pepper sauce
• 1⁄8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1⁄8 teaspoon white pepper
• 1⁄8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
•  freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Season chicken with 1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Melt butter and oil in large non-stick saute pan over high heat.
2. Add andouille; saute 2 minutes. Add seasoned chicken; cook additional 4 minutes, stirring frequently so chicken does not stick to pan.
3. Reduce heat to medium-high; stir in ham, pork, bell pepper, celery, (green, yellow and red) scallions, onions, jalapeno and bay leaf; saute for 3 more minutes.
4. Add tomatoes, garlic puree, and remaining 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; continue cooking for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are soft. Stir in shrimp; cook for 2 more minutes.
5. Stir cooked orzo into mixture; pour in chicken stock. Add Worcestershire and hot pepper sauce, ground black and white peppers, and red pepper flakes. Bring to simmer; cook for 3 minutes.
6. Remove bay leaf. Serve on plates; top with cheese to taste.