| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 379 | 17g | 3g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 3g | 40g | 0.97g |
A dish that holds a special place in my heart, one that brims with vibrant flavors yet echoes a comforting homeliness just like my Italian-American cooking aesthetic, is the inimitable Shrimp Creole with Filé Powder. Born of my culinary experimentation and love for seafood, this shrimp recipe marries a lovely sweetness from the shrimp with serious depth of flavor from the other ingredients, particularly the filé powder.
Decadent Yet Nutritious
It’s not just about the taste though. This dish, much like the rest of my offerings, carries with it a host of health benefits. Shrimp, despite its delicious taste, is low in calories and provides a healthy dose of vitamins, notably vitamin B12, and minerals like selenium. The fruits and vegetables included in the recipe, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, and okra, bulk it up with fibers and other essential nutrients. And cooking it all in olive oil ensures that not only are the ingredients well-basted and flavorful, but also heart-healthy.
Whenever I whip up this dish, it takes me back to my hikes in New Jersey. The green bell pepper, the onion, the scent of the garlic… it all comes together like a sensory painting of the outdoors. Not to mention, the health-enhancing attributes of this recipe keep me fresh and energized for my hiking adventures!
Radiating Classic Comfort
Now, this recipe isn’t a traditional Italian dish, of course. Its roots trace back to the American South. But there’s something about it that feels so comforting to me, reminiscent of the food prepared lovingly by my Italian grandparents. Maybe it’s the hearty combination of shrimp and a tangy tomato base, quite like a cioppino, or perhaps it’s the garlicky base that subtly reminds me of the aglio e olio.
As a standalone, this one’s a winner. But if you’re looking to amp up the meal, it pairs excellently with other Southern favorites like cornbread or a side of collard greens. And nothing beats the traditional way of serving it: hot, over freshly cooked rice. You can find the perfect baked brown rice recipe at Food Network and collard green recipe at Cookie and Kate.
In essence, the Shrimp Creole with Filé Powder isn’t merely a punch of flavors and nutrients – it’s a slice of nostalgic comfort carried forth into my present cooking repertoire. It’s a celebration of where I come from, my love for wholesome food, and the inclusivity of different cuisines, all on one plate – and for that, I’ll always adore it.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1.5 cups chicken stock
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp Filé Powder
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup sliced okra
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Hot cooked rice for serving
Method
Step One
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped green bell pepper, and chopped celery. Cook this mixture until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes.
Step Two
Next, add in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan. Stir this in with the vegetables until it’s well combined. Add in the chicken stock, cayenne pepper, paprika, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture again to thoroughly combine everything.
Step Three
Cook this mixture on medium heat until it starts to simmer. Once it’s simmering, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
Step Four
While the mixture is simmering, add in the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan. Also add in the Filé Powder and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine and ensure the shrimp is covered in the sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and cooked through.
Step Five
Add in the sliced okra, chopped green onions, and chopped parsley. Stir these in and let the mixture cook for a further 2-3 minutes. It is important not to overcook the okra, to keep its bright color and crunch.
Step Six
Your Shrimp Creole with Filé Powder is now ready to serve. Serve it hot over a bed of fresh, cooked rice. This dish is filling, rich in flavor, and perfectly balanced in spice, making it a great hearty meal idea.
