Shrimp Etouffee

Shrimp Etouffee is a classic Cajun dish that is made with shrimp, rice, and a flavorful roux. It is a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal.

To make Shrimp Étouffée, you will need the following ingredients:

Stock 

- Shrimp shells from 2 pounds of shrimp 

- 1 celery stalk 

- 1 onion 

- 1 bell pepper 

- 2-3 cloves garlic 

- 4-5 bay leaves

Étouffée 

- 2 pounds of shell on shrimp 

- ¼ cup flour 

- ¼ cup butter 

- 1 celery stalk 

- 1 onion 

- 4-5 garlic cloves 

- 1 bell pepper 

- 1-2 jalapeno peppers 

- 4 cups shrimp stock 

- ½ teaspoon celery seeds

- 1 tablespoon paprika 

- 1 tablespoon old bay seasoning 

- 1 teaspoon white pepper 

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Stock

1 Add shells, celery, onion, pepper, garlic, and bay leaves to a large stock pot.

2 Add 5 cups of water and bring to a boil.

3 Reduce heat and simmer for 20 mins.

4 Strain the stock to remove the aromatics

Étouffée 

1 In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

2 Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

3 Add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and peppers and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4 Add spices and cook for 1 minute more.

5 Add the shrimp broth and bring to a boil.

6 Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.

7 Add the shrimp and cook for 5 minutes, or until pink and cooked through.

8 Stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.

9 Serve over rice and enjoy!

Tips:

• - To make a roux, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the roux is golden brown.

• - To make sure the shrimp are cooked through, cut one in half and check the color of the flesh. It should be opaque all the way through.

• - Serve Shrimp Etouffee with rice and crusty bread for a complete meal.