Prawn Creole

This Prawn Creole is my go-to comfort dish, perfected over countless New Orleans-inspired dinners. It's a spicy, saucy hug in a bowl that'll transport you straight to the French Quarter. Easy to make, hard to resist!

Prawn Creole: A Taste of Louisiana in Your Kitchen

Ever had one of those days when you're craving something spicy, comforting, and downright delicious? Well, let me introduce you to my go-to dish: Prawn Creole.

I remember the first time I tasted Prawn Creole. It was on a humid summer evening in New Orleans, jazz floating through the air. One bite and I was hooked.

The flavors danced on my tongue, and I knew I had to recreate this magic at home.

What You'll Need

Let's talk ingredients:

• Prawns: Fresh is best, but frozen works too. Just make sure they're deveined.
• The Holy Trinity: Onions, celery, and bell peppers. This combo is the heart of Creole cooking.
• Garlic: Because, let's face it, everything's better with garlic.
• Tomatoes: I use canned for convenience, but fresh works great too.
• Creole Seasoning: The secret weapon. You can buy it or make your own.
• Rice: To soak up all that delicious sauce.

Why You'll Love This Dish

Prawn Creole is like a party in your mouth. It's spicy, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, it's pretty healthy too. Win-win, right?

Perfect for Game Day

This dish is my go-to for game days. It's easy to make in big batches, and it always impresses. Plus, it's a great conversation starter. "Hey, did you know Creole cuisine is a melting pot of French, African, and Spanish influences?" Boom. Instant food historian.

How to Make It

1. Start by sautéing the holy trinity in a large pot. The smell alone will make your mouth water.

2. Toss in the garlic when the veggies are soft. Let it sizzle for a minute.

3. Add the tomatoes and Creole seasoning. Let it simmer and reduce. This is where the magic happens.

4. While that's cooking, prep your prawns. I like to leave the tails on for presentation, but it's up to you.

5. Once the sauce has thickened, add the prawns. They'll cook quickly, so keep an eye on them.

6. Serve over rice and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Pro Tips

• Don't overcook the prawns. They'll turn rubbery faster than you can say "New Orleans."
• Taste as you go. Creole seasoning can vary in heat, so adjust accordingly.
• If you're feeling fancy, add a splash of white wine to the sauce. It adds a nice depth of flavor.

When this is cooking, your whole house will smell amazing. It's like being transported to the French Quarter without leaving your kitchen. The spices, the seafood, the simmering sauce - it all comes together in a symphony of scents that'll have your neighbors knocking on your door.

---

Prawn Creole Recipe

15 minutes prep time with 30 minutes cook time.

Serves 4 and contains approximately 300 calories per serving.

Creole, Louisiana, Southern / Main Dish

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 cups cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, Creole seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly.
5. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
6. Add the prawns to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them.
7. Remove the bay leaves from the skillet and discard.
8. Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving.
9. Serve hot over cooked rice, dividing the rice and prawn mixture equally among 4 plates.

Rated 4.9 by 1227 reviewers.

Recipe Tags: Prawn Creole, Prawn Creole Recipe

Published by: Dish Dupes

What is Prawn Creole?

Prawn Creole is a classic dish from Louisiana cuisine, combining succulent prawns with a rich, spicy tomato-based sauce. It's a perfect blend of flavors that represents the melting pot of cultures in New Orleans.

The dish typically consists of prawns cooked in a sauce made from tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and celery (known as the "holy trinity" in Creole cooking), along with a variety of spices. It's usually served over a bed of rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

The Rich History of Prawn Creole

Prawn Creole, like many dishes from Louisiana, has its roots in the diverse cultural influences of the region. The term "Creole" itself refers to the descendants of early French and Spanish settlers in Louisiana.

The dish evolved from the rich culinary traditions brought by African slaves, European settlers, and Native Americans. Each culture contributed ingredients and cooking techniques that, over time, merged to create the unique flavors of Creole cuisine.

Tomatoes, a key ingredient in Prawn Creole, were introduced to the region in the late 19th century. This addition transformed many traditional dishes and gave birth to what we now know as Prawn Creole.

Key Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor

The magic of Prawn Creole lies in its ingredients. Here are the essentials:

1. Prawns: The star of the show. Fresh or frozen, they should be peeled and deveined.

2. The Holy Trinity: This refers to the combination of onions, celery, and bell peppers that forms the base of many Creole dishes.

3. Tomatoes: Usually canned diced tomatoes are used for convenience and consistency.

4. Garlic: Because what's a good sauce without garlic?

5. Creole Seasoning: A blend of herbs and spices that typically includes paprika, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.

6. Rice: To soak up all that delicious sauce.

These ingredients come together to create a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts. The prawns provide a sweet, delicate flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich, spicy sauce.

Spice Level: How Hot Is Prawn Creole?

The spiciness of Prawn Creole can vary greatly depending on personal preference and recipe. Traditionally, it's meant to have a kick, but not be overpoweringly hot.

The heat in Prawn Creole typically comes from the Creole seasoning and sometimes additional cayenne pepper. However, one of the beauties of making this dish at home is that you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking.

If you're sensitive to heat, start with less seasoning and add more to taste. On the other hand, if you're a spice lover, feel free to amp up the cayenne or add some hot sauce to the mix.

Remember, it's always easier to add heat than to take it away, so start conservatively if you're unsure.

Make-Ahead Magic: Preparing Prawn Creole in Advance

One of the great things about Prawn Creole is that it can be partially prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights.

You can make the sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the prawns. They'll cook quickly in the hot sauce, ensuring they're fresh and not overcooked.

If you're really short on time, you can even cook the entire dish ahead and reheat it gently. Just be aware that the prawns might lose some of their texture if overcooked during reheating.

Serving Suggestions: Maximizing the Prawn Creole Experience

While Prawn Creole is traditionally served over white rice, there are many ways to enjoy this versatile dish:

• Rice Variations: Try brown rice for a nuttier flavor and more fiber, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Bread: A chunk of crusty French bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Garnishes: Fresh parsley or green onions add a pop of color and freshness.
• Side Dishes: A simple green salad or steamed vegetables balance out the meal.

Remember, presentation matters! Serve your Prawn Creole in a shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish.

Shrimp vs. Prawns: Can You Use Them Interchangeably?

Absolutely! While the dish is called Prawn Creole, you can definitely use shrimp instead. In fact, in many parts of the world, the terms "prawn" and "shrimp" are used interchangeably.

The main difference is size - prawns are typically larger than shrimp. If you're using shrimp instead of prawns, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Smaller shrimp will cook faster, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Health Check: Is Prawn Creole Good for You?

Prawn Creole can be a relatively healthy dish, especially when prepared at home where you can control the ingredients. Here's why:

• Prawns are low in calories and high in protein. They're also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
• The vegetable-based sauce is packed with nutrients from the tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables.
• When served with brown rice or cauliflower rice, you add fiber and additional nutrients.

To make it even healthier, you can:

• Use less oil when cooking the vegetables
• Opt for low-sodium broth and tomatoes
• Go easy on the salt, letting the other spices provide flavor

As with any dish, portion control is key to maintaining a balanced diet.

Wine Pairing: Enhancing Your Prawn Creole Experience

The right wine can elevate your Prawn Creole to new heights. Here are some suggestions:

• White Wines: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay can complement the dish nicely.
• Rosé: A dry rosé can stand up to the spices while refreshing the palate.
• Red Wines: If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir or Beaujolais can work well.

The key is to choose a wine that won't overpower the delicate flavor of the prawns but can still hold its own against the spicy sauce.

Leftovers: Storing and Reheating Prawn Creole

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, Prawn Creole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To reheat:

1. Gently warm the dish in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
3. Heat until just warm throughout - avoid boiling as this can make the prawns tough.

You can also reheat in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the prawns.

Prawn Creole is one of those dishes that often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld. Enjoy your leftovers for lunch, or repurpose them:

• Stuff the mixture into bell peppers and bake
• Use it as a topping for baked potatoes
• Wrap it in tortillas for a Creole-inspired taco

In conclusion, Prawn Creole is a versatile, flavorful dish that brings a taste of Louisiana to your kitchen. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or preparing a special meal for two, this dish is sure to impress. So grab your apron, crank up some jazz, and let's get cooking!