A flavorful and hearty dish inspired by Creole cuisine, perfect for a comforting meal.
Chop the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery into small pieces.
Uniformly chopping the vegetables ensures even cooking and a consistent texture.
In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside.
Cooking the bacon first renders its fat, which adds flavor to the dish.
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped vegetables in the bacon drippings until softened.
Stir frequently to prevent the vegetables from sticking or burning.
Add the parsley, ham, thyme, and bay leaves to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes.
This step allows the flavors of the herbs and ham to infuse into the dish.
Stir in the salt, hot sauce, chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water, and bring to a simmer.
Simmering helps to meld the flavors together for a richer taste.
Add the rice, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
Keep the skillet covered to ensure the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid.
Add the shrimp, chicken, and sausage to the skillet, cover, and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Ensure the shrimp turns pink and the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
Season to taste with additional salt or hot sauce if needed, and serve warm.
Taste the dish before serving to adjust the seasoning to your preference.