Creamy New Orleans Shrimp Mold Delight

Shrimp Mold (New Orleans Style)

Description

This Shrimp Mold is a delightful New Orleans-style recipe handed down from my grandmother, renowned for its exquisite taste and simplicity. It is perfect for those looking to impress with minimal effort. The dish isn’t spicy but rich in flavor, thanks to seasoned boiled shrimp. A word to the wise: for best results, use a decorative serving mold, as it spares you the hassle of unmolding and guarantees a beautiful presentation. Serve this with gourmet crackers and watch it disappear in no time!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Cook Time: 5 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (per mold)

Calories: 2442.9 kcal
Fat Content: 164.6 g
Saturated Fat Content: 63.7 g
Cholesterol Content: 1120.8 mg
Sodium Content: 5604.1 mg
Carbohydrate Content: 124.1 g
Fiber Content: 8 g
Sugar Content: 51.3 g
Protein Content: 126.5 g

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups shrimp, seasoned boiled
3/4 cup green onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup celery, finely chopped
1 cup cream cheese, softened
8 oz gelatin
2 cups shrimp, chopped
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp Tabasco sauce
4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp salt (or to taste)

Instructions

Bring Soup to Boil: Start by bringing a soup (such as a condensed tomato or shrimp bisque) to a boil. This will form the base flavor of your shrimp mold.
Dissolve Gelatin: In a separate bowl, dissolve the gelatin in a bit of the hot shrimp liquid. Make sure it is completely dissolved to ensure a smooth texture.
Blend Soup and Cream Cheese: Add the hot soup to the softened cream cheese. Blend until smooth to avoid lumps. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy consistency.
Combine Gelatin and Soup Mix: Pour the dissolved gelatin into the soup and cream cheese mixture. Stir well to combine thoroughly.
Add Vegetables and Mayonnaise: Mix in the finely chopped green onions and celery. Add the mayonnaise for extra creaminess.
Season and Salt: Add Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning according to your preference.
Pour into Mold: Grease your decorative mold lightly and pour the mixture in. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Chill: Cover the mold with Saran Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Mold

Boiling the Shrimp: Season the shrimp well before boiling to infuse them with extra flavor. You can use a seafood boil seasoning mix for this purpose.
Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before blending to ensure it mixes smoothly with the soup.
Gelatin: Dissolve the gelatin thoroughly to avoid any grainy texture in your mold.
Decorative Mold: Using a decorative serving mold not only enhances the presentation but also avoids the hassle of unmolding. Choose a mold with intricate designs to make the dish visually appealing.
Chilling: Let the mold chill for at least 4 hours. However, overnight chilling is ideal for the best texture and flavor integration.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Shrimp Mold with an assortment of gourmet crackers or crispy toast points. You can also pair it with a fresh vegetable platter for a refreshing contrast. Garnish with additional chopped green onions or fresh herbs to add a touch of color and freshness to the dish.

Variations

Spicy Version: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
Herb-Infused: Incorporate finely chopped herbs such as dill, parsley, or chives for an added layer of flavor.
Avocado Addition: Fold in small cubes of ripe avocado just before pouring the mixture into the mold for a creamy, rich twist.

Why This Recipe Works

This Shrimp Mold recipe is a testament to the flavors and culinary traditions of New Orleans. The combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and gelatin creates a smooth, creamy base that is elevated by the addition of seasoned shrimp and crunchy vegetables. The use of Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser. Furthermore, the quick preparation time and straightforward instructions make this dish accessible even to novice cooks.

Nutritional Breakdown

Given the high-calorie content, it is best enjoyed in moderation or as part of a larger spread. The rich protein content makes it a substantial appetizer, while the fats from the cream cheese and mayonnaise provide a luxurious texture and taste.

Reader Reviews

With an aggregated rating of 4 and three reviews, this Shrimp Mold recipe has garnered positive feedback for its flavor and ease of preparation. Reviewers have noted the recipe’s ability to impress guests while requiring minimal effort, a hallmark of many traditional recipes passed down through generations.

Conclusion

Incorporating this Shrimp Mold into your culinary repertoire offers a taste of New Orleans tradition, coupled with the convenience of modern-day preparation. Its delightful balance of flavors, combined with the appealing presentation, makes it an excellent choice for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a more formal event, this dish is sure to be a hit, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of New Orleans in every bite.