Healthy Jambalaya - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 medium onions, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. margarine
1 (16 oz.) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
2 c. chicken broth (with fat removed)
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 bay leaf
8 drops Tabasco sauce
1 1/2 c. raw rice
1 c. cooked ham, cubed
1 whole chicken breast, skinned, deboned and cubed
6 oz. medium shrimp, peeled

Preparation

Saute onions, pepper, celery and garlic in margarine in a 4-quart Dutch oven over medium heat until softened.
Add tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste and seasonings; simmer for 10 minutes. Add rice; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add ham, chicken and shrimp.
Continue cooking, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes, or until rice absorbs liquid.
Remove bay leaf before serving.