New Orleans Fish Creole

New Orleans Fish Creole Recipe - A Taste of Louisiana!

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

New Orleans Fish Creole is a flavorful and spicy dish that combines white fish with a rich tomato-based sauce. This dish is a classic in Creole cuisine, known for its bold flavors and unique blend of spices.

History

New Orleans Fish Creole has its roots in the vibrant culinary traditions of New Orleans, Louisiana. This dish is a fusion of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences, resulting in a dish that is both complex and delicious.

Ingredients

0.5 cup chopped onion
0.5 cup chopped celery
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter or margarine
1 tsp salt
1 tsp curry powder
1 x 15 oz (425 g) can tomato sauce
1 tsp worcestershire sauce
0.25 tsp hot pepper sauce
6 frozen fillets of sole or other white fish (about 1.5 lb (680 g)), partially thawed
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
3 cup hot cooked rice

How to prepare

In a large skillet, cook the onion, celery, and garlic in butter over medium heat until tender-crisp.
Stir in the salt, curry powder, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce; bring to a boil.
Add the fish and green pepper.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Serve over hot rice.

Variations

Substitute the white fish fillets with shrimp or chicken for a different twist on this dish.
Add diced tomatoes or okra for a more traditional Creole flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to partially thaw the frozen fish fillets before adding them to the sauce.

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

- Serve the Fish Creole over hot cooked rice to soak up all the delicious flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve New Orleans Fish Creole with a side of crusty French bread and a crisp green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the fish in the tomato sauce allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute the green bell pepper with red or yellow bell pepper for a pop of color.

Make Ahead Tips

New Orleans Fish Creole can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the New Orleans Fish Creole with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve New Orleans Fish Creole with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing beer to complement the spicy flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of New Orleans Fish Creole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of New Orleans Fish Creole contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of New Orleans Fish Creole contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of New Orleans Fish Creole contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of New Orleans Fish Creole contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

New Orleans Fish Creole is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Iron.

Alergens

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

Summary

New Orleans Fish Creole is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

New Orleans Fish Creole is a delicious and flavorful dish that showcases the bold flavors of Creole cuisine. With a rich tomato-based sauce and tender white fish, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for New Orleans Fish Creole. It was a hot summer day in the bustling city of New Orleans, and I had been wandering through the famous French Quarter, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant place. As I walked past the open-air market, the delicious aroma of spices and seafood filled the air, drawing me in like a magnet.

I found myself at a small stall run by a friendly, elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye. She was busy stirring a large pot of bubbling sauce, and I couldn't help but ask her what she was cooking. With a warm smile, she told me she was making her famous Fish Creole, a traditional dish passed down through generations in her family.

Intrigued, I asked if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. She laughed and said that she would only give it to someone who appreciated the art of cooking and who would carry on the tradition with love and care. I assured her that I was both passionate about cooking and eager to learn new recipes, and she nodded, handing me a tattered piece of paper with the ingredients and instructions written in a beautiful cursive script.

I thanked her profusely and made my way back to my kitchen, eager to try my hand at recreating the magical flavors of New Orleans Fish Creole. As I gathered the fresh ingredients and followed the instructions carefully, the memories of that hot summer day in the French Quarter flooded back, filling my kitchen with a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

The key to making the perfect Fish Creole, I soon discovered, lay in the careful balance of spices and the slow simmering of the sauce. The combination of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and a generous amount of Cajun seasoning created a rich and flavorful base that would perfectly complement the delicate white fish.

As the sauce bubbled away on the stove, filling my kitchen with its mouthwatering scent, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had taken a recipe passed down through generations and made it my own, infusing it with my own love and care.

When the dish was finally ready, I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the explosion of flavors on my taste buds. The tender fish, bathed in the spicy, tangy sauce, transported me back to that hot summer day in New Orleans, where I had first encountered this magical recipe.

From that day on, New Orleans Fish Creole became a staple in my cooking repertoire, a dish that never failed to impress friends and family alike. Each time I made it, I would remember the kind old woman in the French Quarter who had entrusted me with her family's secret recipe, and I would say a silent thank you to her for allowing me to carry on the tradition.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my grandchildren who have grown to love New Orleans Fish Creole as much as I do, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous encounter that led me to this incredible recipe. It is a dish that has brought joy and comfort to so many, a true testament to the power of good food and the stories it carries with it.

So, if you ever find yourself wandering the streets of New Orleans, be sure to seek out that small stall in the French Quarter, where the smell of spices and seafood will lead you to a magical recipe that will capture your heart and your taste buds. And remember, with a little love and care, you too can create a dish that will become a cherished tradition in your own family for generations to come.