Creole-style Flounder

Creole-style Flounder Recipe - A Delicious Seafood Dish from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Creole-style Flounder is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the fresh taste of flounder with a rich and savory tomato-based sauce. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal that will impress your family and friends.

History

Creole-style cooking originated in Louisiana and is a blend of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences. This style of cooking is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh ingredients. Creole-style Flounder is a classic dish that showcases the vibrant and diverse flavors of Creole cuisine.

Ingredients

1 large green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1.5 cups sliced green onions
2 tbsp butter or margarine
1 can (14.5-16 oz or 454 g) chopped tomatoes (2 cups)
1 can (8 oz or 227 g) tomato sauce
salt
ground black pepper
0.5 tsp powdered thyme
1 bay leaf
1.5 lb (680 g) fillets of flounder or other white fish
3 cups hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Cook the green pepper and onions (including the tops) in butter until they are tender.
Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, 1 tsp of salt, 0.25 tsp of pepper, thyme, and bay leaf.
Simmer the mixture gently for 20 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf.
Arrange the fillets in a lightly buttered shallow baking pan.
Season the fillets with salt and pepper.
Spoon the sauce over the fillets.
Bake at 375°F (191°C) for 15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Serve the dish over beds of rice.

Variations

Substitute the flounder with another white fish such as cod or tilapia.
Add shrimp or crab meat to the sauce for a seafood medley.
Spice up the dish with a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the green pepper and onions until they are tender to bring out their natural sweetness.

- Season the fillets generously with salt and pepper before baking to enhance the flavor of the fish.

- Serve the dish over hot cooked rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Creole-style Flounder with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

- Simmering

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake the fish. This will save time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Creole-style Flounder with a glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Creole-style Flounder contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Creole-style Flounder contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Creole-style Flounder contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Creole-style Flounder contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Creole-style Flounder is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and may not be suitable for individuals with seafood allergies.

Summary

Creole-style Flounder is a nutritious and well-balanced meal that is rich in protein and vitamins. It is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Creole cuisine.

Summary

Creole-style Flounder is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and fresh ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. The Creole-style Flounder caught my eye with its bold flavors and unique blend of ingredients. I had always been a fan of Creole cuisine, with its rich history and vibrant spices, so I was eager to give this dish a go.

I first came across the recipe for Creole-style Flounder in an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my mother. The pages were yellowed and worn, with handwritten notes scribbled in the margins. It was clear that this was a recipe that had been loved and cherished for many years.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could practically taste the flavors jumping off the page. The combination of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and garlic, all simmered together with a touch of cayenne pepper and paprika, promised a dish that was both comforting and exciting.

I decided to make the Creole-style Flounder for a family dinner that weekend. I gathered all the ingredients I needed, including a fresh flounder fillet from the local market. As I chopped and sautéed, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aromas of the Creole spices.

When the dish was finally ready, I couldn't wait to dig in. The flounder was perfectly cooked, tender and flaky, and the sauce was a symphony of flavors – tangy and sweet, with just the right amount of heat. My family devoured every last bite, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in our household.

Over the years, I have continued to make the Creole-style Flounder, tweaking and perfecting the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have added my own touches, like a splash of white wine or a handful of fresh herbs, but the essence of the dish remains the same.

One day, while visiting a friend in New Orleans, I had the opportunity to learn how to make Creole-style Flounder from a true expert – a local chef who had been cooking Creole cuisine for decades. He welcomed me into his kitchen with open arms, eager to share his knowledge and passion for the flavors of the region.

As we worked side by side, chopping and stirring, he shared stories of his own culinary journey, of the dishes he had learned from his grandmother and the techniques he had picked up from years of practice. I listened intently, soaking up every detail, determined to absorb as much as I could from this master of Creole cooking.

By the time the Creole-style Flounder was ready to serve, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride. The dish was perfection – a true reflection of the vibrant and diverse flavors of New Orleans. The chef smiled as he tasted my creation, nodding in approval.

"Your grandmother taught you well," he said, a twinkle in his eye. "You have a gift for this, my dear."

I thanked him profusely for his guidance and generosity, knowing that this experience would stay with me forever. I returned home with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to share my newfound knowledge with my family and friends.

And so, the recipe for Creole-style Flounder has become not just a dish that I love to cook, but a symbol of my passion for food and my dedication to preserving the traditions and flavors of the past. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that moment in the chef's kitchen, surrounded by the sights and smells of New Orleans.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from so many wonderful people over the years, each one contributing to my culinary education in their own way. It is through these experiences that I have come to appreciate the true artistry of cooking – the way a simple dish can tell a story, evoke memories, and bring people together.

And so, as I continue to cook and experiment in my kitchen, I carry with me the lessons and wisdom of all those who have come before me. The recipe for Creole-style Flounder is just one small part of a much larger tapestry of flavors and traditions that I am proud to be a part of. And I know that as long as I have a love for cooking and a curiosity for new tastes, my culinary journey will never truly end.