Then I spent most of my afternoon racking my brain (and scouring the internet) for something to make out of shrimp, andouille sausage, rice and broccoli. One thing kept popping up: Jambalaya. The problem? No tomatoes. Not canned, not fresh, not any.
Until I realized: SALSA! Yup, right there on the third shelf I found a nearly full jar of salsa. (Which shouldn't be a shocker, life without salsa is no life at all in my book.)
So, I decided to do a little improvisation.
I cut up the andouille (4 sausages) and started to saute it in a little olive oil. Then I added a can of black beans and a pound of large shrimp. I started to let it all saute together when I poured the (nearly full) jar of salsa over the top.
I brought it to a boil and had it boil for 5 minutes. Then I took it and spooned it over white rice.
It was pretty good! Chris liked liked it and it must've smelled awfully good to the canine crowd because Dex couldn't stop begging. I think it could've used more tomato - but that's probably because I like a good tomato-y soup or jambalaya. :)
I also had enough for some leftovers - so lunch is lookin' up for tomorrow! :) I've found that with some spicy dishes - especially if they've got some tomato in them - get a little richer and tastier after they soak for a bit and are reheated.
As much as I like to have a plan on the outset of making dinner (or really, doing anything), sometimes it's good mental exercise to improvise. And most of the time you end up with a fairly good meal at the end!
Plus - I got to keep my broccoli for another meal! (I'm thinking it'll hit the spot with some chicken this weekend...)
Until next time - happy eating!
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