Louisiana-Style Shrimp Creole

Kittencalskitchen's Note:

Add in a splash of red or white wine if desired, adjust the Creole seasoning and hot sauce to suit heat level. For a creamy Creole sauce add in whipping cream at the end of cooking :)

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 small onion , chopped
• ½ large green bell pepper , seeded and chopped
• 1 stalk celery , diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 ½ 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Add in the uncooked shrimp; cook for 5 minutes.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.