Creole Shrimp

Traditional Haitian Creole Shrimp Recipe with Bold Flavors

Region / culture: Haiti | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Creole Shrimp is a classic dish that combines the flavors of the American South with influences from French, Spanish, African, and Native American cuisines. This dish is known for its bold and spicy flavors, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.

History

Creole cuisine originated in Louisiana, particularly in the city of New Orleans. It is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions, resulting in a unique and flavorful culinary style. Creole Shrimp is a dish that has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

0.25 cup chopped green pepper
1 tsp prepared mustard
0.5 cup chopped onion
0.5 tsp sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
dash of tabasco sauce
3 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
2 cups canned tomatoes
0.13 tsp pepper
1-8 oz (227 g) can tomato sauce
1 lb (454 g) shrimp, cleaned, cooked
0.5 cup water
1 bay leaf
1 cup finely chopped celery
3 cups hot cooked rice

How to prepare

In a saucepan, sauté pepper, onion, celery, and garlic in butter.
Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, prepared mustard, sugar, Tabasco, seasonings, and bay leaf. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring often.
Add shrimp and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf.
Serve the dish over rice.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or okra for additional flavor and texture.
Substitute chicken or sausage for the shrimp for a different twist on the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the vegetables until they are soft and fragrant to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Adjust the amount of Tabasco sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Serving Suggestions

Creole Shrimp is best served over hot cooked rice, with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the vegetables until they are soft and translucent.

- Simmer the sauce slowly to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier option.

- Substitute crushed red pepper flakes for Tabasco sauce if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Cook the shrimp just before serving to ensure they are tender and flavorful.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Creole Shrimp in a large serving bowl over a bed of fluffy rice. - Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Creole Shrimp pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

- Serve with a side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Creole Shrimp contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Creole Shrimp is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the addition of rice. One serving typically contains around 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The butter used in this recipe adds richness and flavor to the dish. One serving of Creole Shrimp contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Shrimp is a great source of protein, with one serving of Creole Shrimp providing around 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Shrimp is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, iron, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (butter), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Creole Shrimp is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Creole Shrimp is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the bold flavors of the American South with influences from various cultures. With a rich and spicy sauce, tender shrimp, and fluffy rice, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a warm summer day in the bayou, and I had been invited to a friend's house for a traditional Creole feast. As soon as I walked into the kitchen, I was hit with the intoxicating smells of garlic, onions, and spices. My friend's grandmother was bustling around the stove, a large pot of bubbling shrimp stew in front of her.

I couldn't take my eyes off the dish. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers and tomatoes, the plump shrimp peeking out from the rich sauce - it was a work of art. I asked my friend's grandmother if she would be willing to share the recipe with me, and she smiled warmly and said, "Of course, cher. But you have to promise to keep it a secret."

She handed me a tattered old recipe card, covered in splatters of sauce and faded handwriting. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I knew this was no ordinary shrimp dish. It was a labor of love, a symphony of flavors that had been perfected over generations.

I couldn't wait to try it out for myself. I went home that day with the recipe card clutched in my hand, my mind already racing with ideas on how to make it my own. I gathered all the ingredients I would need - fresh shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of spices that would transport me back to that sunny day in the bayou.

As I set to work in my own kitchen, I thought back to all the recipes I had learned over the years. My grandmother had been my first teacher, passing down her knowledge of cooking with patience and love. She had taught me how to make everything from classic comfort foods to exotic dishes from far-off lands.

I remembered the time she had shown me how to make her famous chicken and dumplings, the hours we had spent rolling out dough and shaping each dumpling with care. I thought of the summer I had spent in Italy, learning the secrets of making the perfect pasta from a local nonna who spoke no English but communicated through her hands and the scents wafting from her kitchen.

And now, as I stirred the pot of Creole shrimp simmering on my stove, I felt a deep connection to all those who had come before me, passing down their knowledge and traditions through the simple act of cooking.

The shrimp stew bubbled and thickened, the flavors melding together in a symphony of taste and aroma. I took a spoonful and closed my eyes, savoring the rich, spicy broth and tender shrimp. It was perfection.

I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the friendships and memories that had led me to this moment. And as I sat down to enjoy my Creole shrimp, I said a silent thank you to all those who had shared their recipes and their love with me over the years.

Cooking, for me, had always been more than just a way to feed my body. It was a way to nourish my soul, to connect with others, and to preserve the stories and traditions that had shaped me into the person I was today.

So here's to the Creole shrimp recipe that brought me to this moment, a testament to the power of food to transcend time and space, to bring people together and create lasting memories. And here's to all the recipes yet to come, waiting to be discovered and shared with those I hold dear. Bon appétit!