Sharon BrownWhen it comes to enjoying Barefoot Contessa Shrimp Creole, pairing it right can elevate your dining experience. I’ve found that serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy polenta makes for a satisfying meal.
The rice soaks up the rich flavors, creating a delightful blend in every bite. You can also go for crusty bread, perfect for dipping into the sauce. And let’s not forget about a crisp salad. Something light, like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, can balance the dish beautifully.
As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I’ve spent many evenings experimenting with various recipes, always looking for that perfect balance of flavor and texture. One dish that never fails to amaze me, both in its rich taste and the memories it conjures, is Barefoot Contessa Shrimp Creole. It’s one of those meals that transcends mere sustenance. It’s a blend of cultures, a hearty hug on a plate, and an invitation to gather with friends and family.
In this post, I’ll take you through every delightful aspect of this Southern classic—a recipe I cherish every time I prepare it. From the vibrant flavors that dance across your palate to the comforting aroma wafting through your kitchen, it’s a dish worth sharing. So buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the tantalizing world of Barefoot Contessa Shrimp Creole.
What is Barefoot Contessa Shrimp Creole?
Barefoot Contessa Shrimp Creole is a dish that tells a story. Emerging from the culinary heritage of New Orleans, this recipe brings together fresh shrimp and a zesty, tomato-based sauce enriched with spices and fresh vegetables.
What started as a humble dish in Louisiana homes has evolved into a celebrated recipe found in cookbooks, like those from the beloved food icon Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa.
This recipe captures the essence of Southern cooking, marked by a vibrant array of ingredients. It’s comforting yet sophisticated, hearty yet refreshingly bold.
When you present it at a gathering, the colors and aromas entice everyone at the table. This dish is more than just a meal in a bowl; it’s an experience.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
The beauty of Barefoot Contessa Shrimp Creole lies in its well-rounded flavor profile. It starts with the sweet and succulent shrimp, which serve as the star ingredient.
The sauce is a harmonious marriage of tangy tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and the warmth of spices, particularly cayenne and smoked paprika. Each ingredient plays a crucial role:
- Tomatoes lend acidity and sweetness, balancing the richness of the dish.
- Garlic and onions bring depth, creating a savory base.
- Bell peppers and celery add crunch and freshness, making each bite a textural delight.
- Cayenne pepper provides a gentle heat, while smoked paprika contributes a subtle smokiness that rounds things out beautifully.
Each spoonful reflects the cultural tapestry of New Orleans. It’s a dish that awakens the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Shrimp Creole Recipes?
While there are countless variations of shrimp creole across kitchens, Barefoot Contessa’s adaptation stands out. One key difference is the use of fresh ingredients and a few spice choices that heighten the dish’s character.
For example, the balance of Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce enriches the sauce without overpowering the fresh flavors.
Additionally, Ina Garten emphasizes simplicity. Her approach focuses on allowing the ingredients to shine rather than overwhelming them with heavy seasonings.
This method not only creates a memorable meal, but also allows for versatility. You can easily adjust the heat or incorporate seasonal vegetables based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we jump into the cooking, let’s gather the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds large shrimp (approximately 32), peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 large onions, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon crushed cayenne pepper
- 1 cup diced yellow squash
- 2 cups seafood broth or shrimp broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can of whole peeled tomatoes in rich puree
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce
- A few dashes of hot sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 tablespoons scallions, sliced for garnish
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once it shimmers, toss in the diced onions, celery, and green bell pepper. These aromatics create a flavor-packed foundation for your dish. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they soften and begin to caramelize.
Step 2: Add the Garlic and Spices
Now it’s time for the garlic. Add the finely chopped garlic and crushed cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir it well to ensure every piece gets coated in that luscious oil. Allow them to cook for another minute. The aroma that fills your kitchen is delightful; you might want to keep the windows open to let it flow!
Step 3: Incorporate the Yellow Squash
Next, add the diced yellow squash. This veggie brightens the dish and offers a mild sweetness that complements the other ingredients. Stir everything well, letting it soften for about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the seafood broth and canned tomatoes (including the puree). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens! The flavors meld together, and the dish begins to take shape. Remember to add the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, bay leaves, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
After about 10 minutes, it’s time to introduce the shrimp. Add them to the pot, stirring them in. Ensure they are fully submerged in the sauce. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook; you want them tender, not rubbery.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
After cooking, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Remove the bay leaves and ladle the Shrimp Creole into bowls. Garnish with sliced scallions. It’s time to dig in!
Tips on Making Barefoot Contessa Shrimp Creole
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Opt for fresh or well-thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the Heat: For mild heat, reduce cayenne and hot sauce. You can always add more if you like it fiery!
- Season Properly: Taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to your preference to enhance the overall flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other veggies like zucchini or corn for added sweetness.
- Make Ahead: This dish actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Store in the fridge and reheat gently.
Nutrition Information
barefoot contessa shrimp creole recipe nutrition facts
How Can I Store This Barefoot Contessa Shrimp Creole?
You can store your Shrimp Creole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 days. When reheating, use low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. If you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for about 2 months. Make sure to fully thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Substitutes for Ingredients
Sometimes you’re in a pinch. If you lack a specific ingredient, don’t fret! Here are a few substitutions you can use:
- Shrimp: If shrimp isn’t available, use cooked chicken or firm tofu as a vegetarian option.
- Seafood Broth: Vegetable broth works fine if you’re looking for a vegetarian base.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of soy sauce or tamari can mimic its depth nicely.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Swap with diced canned tomatoes if fresh aren’t an option.
Barefoot Contessa Shrimp Creole Recipe
Equipment
- Large
- heavy-bottomed pot
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp approximately 32, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 2 large onions diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 teaspoon crushed cayenne pepper
- 1 cup diced yellow squash
- 2 cups seafood broth or shrimp broth
- 1 28-ounce can of whole peeled tomatoes in rich puree
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce
- A few dashes of hot sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 tablespoons scallions sliced for garnish
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once it shimmers, toss in the diced onions, celery, and green bell pepper. These aromatics create a flavor-packed foundation for your dish. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they soften and begin to caramelize.
- Now it’s time for the garlic. Add the finely chopped garlic and crushed cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir it well to ensure every piece gets coated in that luscious oil. Allow them to cook for another minute. The aroma that fills your kitchen is delightful; you might want to keep the windows open to let it flow!
- Next, add the diced yellow squash. This veggie brightens the dish and offers a mild sweetness that complements the other ingredients. Stir everything well, letting it soften for about 3 minutes.
- Pour in the seafood broth and canned tomatoes (including the puree). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens! The flavors meld together, and the dish begins to take shape. Remember to add the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, bay leaves, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- After about 10 minutes, it’s time to introduce the shrimp. Add them to the pot, stirring them in. Ensure they are fully submerged in the sauce. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook; you want them tender, not rubbery.
- After cooking, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Remove the bay leaves and ladle the Shrimp Creole into bowls. Garnish with sliced scallions. It’s time to dig in!
Notes
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Opt for fresh or well-thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the Heat: For mild heat, reduce cayenne and hot sauce. You can always add more if you like it fiery!
- Season Properly: Taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to your preference to enhance the overall flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other veggies like zucchini or corn for added sweetness.
- Make Ahead: This dish actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Store in the fridge and reheat gently.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Barefoot Contessa Shrimp Creole is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to cozy up with loved ones and savor the moment. With its bursting flavors and aromatic ingredients, each bite speaks of tradition and love.
I hope this guide inspires you to recreate this dish with confidence. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering, a cozy family dinner, or a simply indulgent night for yourself, it’s a dish that promises satisfaction. Happy cooking, and enjoy every morsel!
