Creole Casserole

Creole Casserole Recipe - A Classic Southern Dish Made with Eggplant, Shrimp, and Rice

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Creole Casserole is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the rich flavors of the South with a touch of spice. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, as it is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.

History

Creole Casserole has its roots in Creole cuisine, which is a blend of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. This dish typically features a combination of vegetables, rice, and seafood, all cooked together in a flavorful sauce. Creole cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of spices, making Creole Casserole a popular choice for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their dishes.

Ingredients

1 eggplant (about 1 lb (454 g)), peeled and diced
1.5 tsp salt, divided
2 cup water
0.5 cup chopped celery
0.5 cup chopped onion
0.5 cup chopped green pepper
1 tbsp butter or margarine
3 cup cooked rice
0.25 tsp garlic powder
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
0.13 tsp ground red pepper
1 cup raw peeled and deveined shrimp, minced
0.5 cup dry bread crumbs
0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
0.5 to 1 tsp paprika

How to prepare

Combine eggplant, 0.5 tsp of salt, and water in a large saucepan.
Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Drain the mixture and set it aside.
In a large skillet, cook celery, onion, and green pepper in butter until tender-crisp.
Stir in the eggplant, rice, remaining 1 tsp of salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add shrimp, crumbs, and parsley.
Turn the mixture into a greased, shallow baking dish.
Sprinkle it with paprika.
Bake at 375°F (191°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.

Variations

Add in diced tomatoes or okra for a different flavor profile.
Use Cajun seasoning instead of paprika for a spicier dish.
Substitute chicken or sausage for the shrimp for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender-crisp to ensure that they retain their texture in the casserole.

- Minced shrimp adds a delicious seafood flavor to the dish, but you can also use other types of seafood such as crab or crawfish.

- For a vegetarian version of this dish, simply omit the shrimp and add in extra vegetables or tofu for protein.

Serving Suggestions

Creole Casserole can be served as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or a green salad. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling

- Sauteing

- Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use zucchini or yellow squash instead of eggplant.

- Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice.

- Use butter or olive oil instead of margarine.

Make Ahead Tips

Creole Casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Sprinkle the top of the casserole with additional chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Creole Casserole pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of sweet tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Creole Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

220

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 3g

Fats

- Total Fat: 4g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 7g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 20%

- Calcium: 4%

- Iron: 6%

Alergens

Contains shellfish (shrimp)

- May contain gluten (breadcrumbs)

Summary

Creole Casserole is a well-balanced dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Creole Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. With its bold flavors and hearty ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Creole Casserole. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mabel in her cozy kitchen. Mabel was a fantastic cook, and I always looked forward to our recipe exchanges whenever we got together.

As we chatted over cups of steaming tea, Mabel suddenly pulled out a worn, yellowed recipe card from her recipe box. She looked at me with a twinkle in her eye and said, "This Creole Casserole recipe has been in my family for generations. It's a crowd-pleaser, and I know you'll love it too."

I eagerly took the recipe card from her hands and read through the ingredients and instructions. The combination of spicy Andouille sausage, tender shrimp, and Creole seasoning sounded absolutely delicious. I couldn't wait to give it a try in my own kitchen.

Mabel explained that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down to her mother, and then to her. It was a treasured family recipe that had been shared with friends and neighbors over the years.

As I headed home that day, the scent of Mabel's Creole Casserole still lingering in my mind, I couldn't wait to gather the ingredients and start cooking. I had always been drawn to Creole cuisine, with its rich blend of flavors and spices, and I knew this recipe would be a new favorite in my collection.

I began by browning the Andouille sausage in a large skillet, letting the spicy aromas fill my kitchen. Next, I added in the onions, bell peppers, and celery, creating a colorful base for the casserole. The scent of the holy trinity of Cajun cooking wafted through the air, reminding me of the vibrant culture and traditions of Louisiana.

I then added in the diced tomatoes, broth, and Creole seasoning, allowing the flavors to meld together as the casserole simmered on the stove. The tantalizing aroma of spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme filled my kitchen, transporting me to the bustling streets of New Orleans.

As the casserole bubbled away, I prepared the shrimp, peeling and deveining them with practiced ease. I knew that the succulent shrimp would add a burst of flavor to the dish, complementing the smoky sausage and hearty vegetables perfectly.

Finally, I layered the cooked rice in a baking dish, spooning the savory Creole mixture on top. The dish went into the oven to bake, the tantalizing scent of spices and seafood filling my kitchen with warmth and comfort.

When the timer chimed, I pulled the Creole Casserole out of the oven, the top golden and bubbling. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

As I sat down to enjoy my first bite, the flavors exploded in my mouth – the spicy Andouille sausage, the tender shrimp, the vibrant vegetables all coming together in perfect harmony. The Creole seasoning added a kick of heat that lingered on my taste buds, a reminder of the rich culinary heritage of the South.

I couldn't help but think of Mabel and her family as I savored each mouthful of the Creole Casserole. The recipe had brought me closer to her, to her grandmother and the generations of women who had lovingly prepared this dish before me.

As I finished my meal, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own family, a link to the past and a connection to the traditions that had shaped me. I would pass it down to my own grandchildren someday, sharing the story of how I learned to make Creole Casserole and the memories of my dear friend Mabel.

And so, as I sat in my kitchen, savoring the last bite of the delicious casserole, I felt a sense of gratitude for the joy that cooking and sharing recipes had brought into my life. It was a reminder that food is not just sustenance – it is a gift, a way to connect with others and create lasting memories. And for that, I would always be thankful.