Louisiana-Style Shrimp Creole

Ingredients

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 (20 ounce) can stewed tomatoes

• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon creole seasoning (or to taste or use Cajun seasoning)
• louisiana hot sauce or Tabasco sauce
• 2 lbs medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 2-4 tablespoons whipping cream (optional add in for a creamy sauce)

Directions

1. 1

   In a medium saucepan melt butter over medium heat; Add in onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic and chili powder; sauté for until vegetables are tender (about 3-4 minutes).

2. 2

   Whisk in the cornstarch, then stir in the stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce; bring to a simmer over medium heat stirring and breaking up the tomatoes with back of a spoon.

3. 3

   Add in Creole seasoning to taste (and wine if using) simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes (you may simmer longer if desired for a thicker richer sauce).

4. 4

   If you prefer a creamy Creole sauce add in whipping cream at this point starting with 2 tablespoons and adding in more to taste.

5. 5

   Add in the uncooked shrimp; cook for 5 minutes.

6. 6

   Season with salt and black pepper to taste.