Betsy'S Shrimp Creole
Betsy’s Shrimp Creole offers a rich, flavorful tomato-based sauce with green olives, mushrooms, and herbs, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a hearty, savory dish over rice.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, chopped ⓘ
- 6 minced green olives ⓘ
- 1 can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- pinch of thyme ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chopped parsley or flakes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 tsp. salt ⓘ
- few grains red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chili sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan.
- Add chopped onions, garlic, and green olives; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, green pepper, bay leaf, thyme, chopped parsley or flakes, sugar, salt, red pepper, sliced mushrooms, and chili sauce.
- Cook the mixture for about 1 hour over low to medium heat.
- Heat the sauce thoroughly before adding the frozen shrimp.
- Add the frozen shrimp and cook until heated through.
- Serve the shrimp creole over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or celery to the mix. If you're out of chili sauce, a combination of ketchup and hot sauce can work as a substitute. For a vegetarian version, replace shrimp with cooked lentils or chickpeas. Adjust the spices to your taste, especially the red pepper for heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp creole over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. A side salad or steamed vegetables like green beans can complement the dish well. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with Potatoes With Spinach.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover shrimp creole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears too thick. Avoid microwaving directly, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Betsy'S Shrimp Creole contains roughly 557 calories, with 14g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (213% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (157% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2066mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh shrimp for this recipe. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined, and add them to the sauce for a shorter cooking time, about 3-5 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Canned diced tomatoes work perfectly for this dish, but you can use crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce. If you prefer fresh tomatoes, about 4 cups of diced ripe tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The recipe calls for a pinch of red pepper, which adds a mild heat. If you like it spicier, consider adding more red pepper or including a dash of hot sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).