Shrimp Creole - Emeril Lagasse

This recipe is from Emeril Lagasse. I made it tonight for our Mardi Gras celebration. It was FANTASTIC. I've made one minor adjustment - I used canned diced tomatoes, rather than the fresh that Emeril called for. His recipe listed 2 lbs peeled, seeded & chopped tomatoes. I substituted the 3 cans of tomatoes. Try this recipe! I'm pretty sure you're going to love it!

Ingredients:

4 ounces (1 stick) butter
2 cups chopped onions
1 cup chopped green bell peppers
1 cup chopped celery
Salt and cayenne
2 bay leaves
3 cans diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
Dash of Worcestershire Sauce
Dash of hot sauce
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup water
2 1/2 pounds of large shrimp, peeled, tail-off, and deveined
Essence, recipe follows
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
4 cups cooked long-grain white rice

Directions:

In a large saucepan (one gallon), over medium heat, melt the butter.

Add the onions, peppers, and celery to the pan. Season the vegetables with salt and cayenne. Saute the vegetables until they are wilted, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Stir in the bay leaves, tomatoes, and garlic. Season with salt and cayenne. Bring the mixture up to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer the mixture for about 15 minutes. If the mixture becomes too dry add some water.

Season the mixture with the Worcestershire Sauce and hot sauce. Whisk the flour and water together. Add the flour mixture to the tomato mixture and continue to cook for 4 to 6 minutes. Season the shrimp with Essence. Add the shrimp to the mixture and continue to cook for about 4 to 6 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and curl up. Stir in the green onions and parsley.

Check the seasoning and add more salt and cayenne if needed. Serve the Shrimp Creole spooned over the rice.

Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Yield: 2/3 cup

Click here for printable recipe