New Orleans Style Shrimp Creole Recipe

New Orleans Style Shrimp Creole Recipe: A Taste of Creole Comfort 🍤🌶️

Introduction:

Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of New Orleans with this Shrimp Creole recipe. Bursting with a rich tomato base, a medley of aromatic spices, and succulent shrimp, this dish is a celebration of Creole flavors that will bring the spirit of the Big Easy to your dining table.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Cooked white rice for serving

Instructions:

Preparing the Base:

1. Sautéing Aromatics:
   • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
2. Garlic Infusion:
   • Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Creating the Creole Sauce:

1. Tomato Trio:
   • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juice, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
2. Broth and Seasonings:
   • Add chicken broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix in Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce for that signature Creole kick.
3. Simmering Magic:
   • Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Adding Shrimp and Finishing Touches:

1. Shrimp Symphony:
   • Gently fold in the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through.
2. Parsley Perfection:
   • Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the Shrimp Creole for a burst of color and added freshness.

Serving:

1. Rice Bed:
   • Serve the New Orleans Style Shrimp Creole over a bed of cooked white rice, allowing the flavorful sauce to mingle with the grains.
2. Enjoy the Creole Feast:
   • Dive into a bowl of this Creole masterpiece, savoring the harmonious blend of spices and the succulence of the shrimp.