Shrimp Creole is a classic New Orleans dish filled with bold, vibrant flavors. It combines tender shrimp with a rich, seasoned tomato-based sauce, often served over a bed of fluffy rice. The perfect balance of spicy, savory, and slightly tangy, this dish is a favorite in Creole cuisine and a guaranteed hit for dinner. It's both comforting and satisfying, bringing a taste of Louisiana to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  
  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
  

• 1 small onion, chopped
  
  

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  
  

• 2 celery stalks, chopped
  
  

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
  

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  
  

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  
  

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
  
  

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  
  

• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to preference)
  
  

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  
  

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  
  

• 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
  
  

Directions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
   
   

2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
   
   

3. Add Garlic and Seasonings:
   Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
   
   

4. Make the Sauce:
   Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, letting the sauce reduce and thicken slightly.
   
   

5. Return the Shrimp:
   Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the shrimp to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
   
   

6. Serve:
   Serve the shrimp creole over a bed of cooked white rice. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx., serves 4):

• Calories: 320 kcal
  
  

• Total Fat: 12 g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 2 g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 280 mg
  
  

• Sodium: 930 mg
  
  

• Total Carbohydrates: 28 g
  
  

• Dietary Fiber: 3 g
  
  

• Sugars: 8 g
  
  

• Protein: 28 g