Creole Shrimp Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240ml) shrimp stock 1 cup (240ml) shrimp stock
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 6g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, shrimp stock, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Add the shrimp to the sauce and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Remove the bay leaf from the sauce.
8. 8.
   Serve the Creole Shrimp Sauce over rice or alongside your favorite seafood dish.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh parsley for an added burst of freshness.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to devein the shrimp properly before adding them to the sauce to ensure a clean and enjoyable eating experience.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the diced tomatoes before adding them to the skillet.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables in the sauce according to your preference. Adding celery or okra can add additional depth of flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Creole Shrimp Sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It also pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve the sauce in a shallow bowl or on a plate, allowing the vibrant red color to shine through.