Healthy Jambalaya

1 lb. boneless chicken, cubed (can use already cooked chicken) 1 lb. smoked sausage 1 large onion, chopped 1 bell pepper, chopped 3 - 6 cloves garlic, minced (amount to taste; I like lots) 4 ribs celery, chopped 3 small cans tomato paste 1 28-oz. can tomatoes with green chillies 4 cups good chicken broth ( Creole seasoning ) 2 teaspoons cayenne, 2 teaspoons black pepper, 1 teaspoon white pepper, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teapsoon thyme Salt to taste 1 large spaghetti squash (pre-cooked in microwave: ***** all over with fork and cook in microwave till soften, cut long ways and scoop out the insides Your choice of cheese for topping In a frying pan, brown the chicken, sprinkling with a bit of salt, black pepper and red pepper otherwise. Don't brown if using leftover cooked bird, but you still might want to season the meat. Tear or cut the meat into bite-size pieces. Brown the sliced smoked sausage sauté the onions, garlic, peppers and celery in oil until onions begin to turn transparent. In the same pot add the tomato paste and let it brown a little. What we're going for here is an additional depth of flavor by browning the tomato paste a little; the sugar in the tomato paste begins to caramelize, deepening the flavor and color. Keep it moving so that it browns but doesn't burn. Once the vegetables are translucent and the tomato paste achives sort of a red mahogany color, deglaze the pan with the about 2 cups of the stock, scraping the bottom of the pan to mix up any browned bits, and stir until smooth, making sure the sautéed vegetables, paste and stock are combined thoroughly. It should be fairly thick. Add the Creole seasoning, tomatoes and salt to taste. Cook over low-medium heat for about 10 minutes. Add the meat and cook another 10 minutes. Add the rest of the stock, check seasonings and add in the squash. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Pre-heat oven 350°F, place contents into a large baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool off before serving.. Sprinkle with your choice of cheese and enjoy PS: I guess you can use any types of meats you want, this is the way I made it though...

Yum. That sounds delicious. I've been craving spicy food and have had a hard time finding something that's healthy. Thanks for the great recipe idea. I want to try the cabbage dish also. Mary