Creole Tomato And Shrimp Stew

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 medium onion chopped

1 green bell pepper chopped (use jalapenos for a spicy version)

1 stalk celery chopped

4 cloves garlic minced

28 ounces fire roasted tomatoes canned, or use equivalent fresh

1 cup corn kernels about 1 ear of fresh corn, or frozen

4 cups chicken stock or use shrimp stock

2 tablespoons Creole Seasoning blend or use Cajun Seasonings – See Recipe notes

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or more to taste

Salt and pepper to taste

1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley plus more for garnish

Instructions

Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Stir in the flour to form a roux. Cook, continually stirring, for 5-10 minutes, or until the roux turns the color of peanut butter.

Add the onion, peppers, and celery. Stir and cook 5 minutes to soften.

Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Add the tomatoes, corn, chicken stock, seasonings, and red pepper flakes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in shrimp and parsley. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the shrimp cooks through.

Remove from heat. Serve into bowls with fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes for garnish.

Notes

If you don’t have Creole or Cajun seasonings, use the following blend: 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon cayenne.

Nutrition Information

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a substitute for fire-roasted tomatoes?

Yes, you can use regular canned tomatoes or fresh tomatoes, but fire-roasted tomatoes add a unique smoky flavor.

What is the difference between Creole and Cajun Seasonings?

Creole seasoning often includes more herbs, while Cajun seasoning is spicier.

You can use either based on your preference.

Can I use shrimp stock instead of chicken stock?

Yes, using shrimp stock enhances the seafood flavor, but chicken stock works well too.

How do I devein shrimp?

Make a shallow cut along the back of each shrimp and remove the dark vein.

Rinse under cold water.

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp.

Thaw them before adding to the stew.

How can I make this stew less spicy?

Adjust the amount of Creole seasoning and red pepper flakes to control the spice level.

Can I make this stew in advance?

Yes, the flavors often improve when made in advance.

Reheat gently before serving.

What can I serve as a side with this stew?

Crusty bread, rice, or cornbread complements the stew well.

Can I add other seafood to this recipe?

Yes, you can add crab meat, mussels, or other seafood of your choice.

Can I freeze leftovers?

While the stew can be frozen, the texture of the shrimp may change upon thawing.

Reheat gently.