Dive into the vibrant flavors of the South with our irresistible Creole Tomato and Shrimp Stew! This dish is not just a meal; it’s a culinary journey that brings the essence of Creole cuisine right to your kitchen. With succulent shrimp swimming in a rich, tomato-based broth, every spoonful is a taste of tradition and comfort. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this stew is sure to become a favorite. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Creole
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups tomatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing, peeling, and chopping vegetables. Ensure shrimp are fully peeled and deveined, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Sauté chopped onions and bell peppers until they become soft and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes. This will help develop a rich, deep flavor base for the stew.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and let the stew simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to slightly reduce.
- Add shrimp to the stew and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the stew seems too thick, add a little more broth; if too thin, let it simmer a few more minutes.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the stew to cool slightly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley or green onions, and accompanied by rice or crusty bread.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and prepare the shrimp in advance. This way, you can focus on the cooking process without interruptions.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t rush the sautéing stage! Allowing the onions and bell peppers to become soft and translucent enhances the stew’s flavor base significantly.
- Watch the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them! They’re done when they turn pink and opaque—overcooking can make them rubbery.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you like it spicier, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce.
- Serving Suggestions: This stew pairs beautifully with a side of fluffy rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs for an extra pop of color and flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 180mg
