Thought for Food

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound kielbasa, sliced
2 large onions, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
1 can (19 ounces) diced tomatoes
1/2 pound cooked ham, cubed
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon pepper sauce (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1 1/2 cups uncooked rice

Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add kielbasa, onions, green pepper, celery and garlic; cook 8 to 10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add chicken broth, tomatoes, ham, bay leaf, pepper sauce, thyme and allspice; simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Add rice. Cover; simmer 15 minutes. If necessary, add more broth or water and simmer until rice is tender. Remove bay leaf. Serve with additional pepper sauce, if desired.