Helen'S Shrimp Creole
Helen's Shrimp Creole features tender shrimp in a rich tomato-based sauce with fragrant vegetables and spices, perfect for seafood lovers and those craving bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled, deveined shrimp ⓘ
- 4 cups chopped celery with tender leaves ⓘ
- 2 cups green peppers ⓘ
- 3 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato puree ⓘ
- 3 bay leaves ⓘ
- 4 cups chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 medium cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 pound butter or margarine ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onions, celery, peppers, and garlic in butter until almost tender.
- Do not brown the vegetables.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, tomato puree, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer until flavors blend.
- Add well-drained shrimp and simmer about 15 minutes.
- Serve over cooked rice or with rice on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the mixture. You can substitute fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for bay leaves if desired. If you're short on time, pre-cooked shrimp can be used; just reduce the simmering time to 5-7 minutes. This dish pairs beautifully with Seafood And Spinach Log for an appetizer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp creole over cooked rice for a hearty meal. You can also garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley for added color and flavor. Pair it with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is great for gatherings and can be accompanied by Canape Lorenzo for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp creole in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, ensuring it’s heated through without overcooking the shrimp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Helen'S Shrimp Creole contains roughly 2069 calories, with 47g protein, 267g carbohydrates, and 110g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (795% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (194% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the dish. This will help maintain the texture and flavor. You can quickly thaw shrimp by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce if I'm out?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can blend crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes with some tomato paste to achieve a similar consistency. Adding a splash of vinegar can help balance the flavor if needed.
Is there a vegetarian version of shrimp creole?
Yes! You can create a vegetarian version by substituting shrimp with cooked lentils or chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of butter and add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to enhance the texture and flavors.
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).