Recipe: Poorman’s Creole 🍲
Description: Inspired by a tale of culinary intrigue, Poorman’s Creole is a delectable twist on the classic Shrimp Creole, tailored for those who prefer to indulge without seafood. With hominy masquerading as shrimp and the savory addition of tuna, this dish is a testament to resourcefulness and flavor innovation. Perfect for those seeking a low-cholesterol, healthy meal option that doesn’t compromise on taste!
Quick Stats:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 324.2 per serving
- Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Ingredients:
- 1/2 onion
- 1/2 celery stalk
- 1/2 green bell pepper
- 1 garlic clove
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 oz) tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 can (15.5 oz) hominy
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna
- Tabasco sauce, to taste
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, celery, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender but not browned, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the canned tomatoes (including the juice) and tomato sauce. Season with salt, sugar, bay leaf, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
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Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for approximately 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water until smooth. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Add Tuna: Gently fold in the canned tuna, breaking it apart with a spoon as needed. Allow the dish to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to mingle.
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Serve: Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning to taste, adding Tabasco sauce for a spicy kick if desired. Serve the Poorman’s Creole over a bed of fluffy rice, allowing each spoonful to be a harmonious blend of flavors.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 324.2
- Fat: 12.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.2g
- Cholesterol: 32.3mg
- Sodium: 952.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 29.6g
- Fiber: 5.6g
- Sugar: 8.2g
- Protein: 23.4g
Tips:
- For added freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of chili powder and Tabasco sauce according to your preference.
- Serve alongside crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal experience.
- This dish can be easily reheated, making it a convenient option for meal prep or leftovers.
Poorman’s Creole is a testament to creativity in the kitchen, proving that with a bit of ingenuity, even the simplest ingredients can come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re catering to dietary preferences or simply looking for a budget-friendly option, this recipe is sure to impress with its robust flavors and hearty appeal. Enjoy the rich tapestry of flavors and savor each bite of this unique culinary creation!