Cajun Maque Choux with a Twist
This delectable Cajun Maque Choux, also known as Cajun Succotash, is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with any Cajun or Creole entree. Traditionally, Maque Choux doesn’t include okra, but here’s a delightful twist to enhance the dish with a touch of Southern charm!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of bacon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (adjust to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups sliced okra (fresh or frozen)
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
Instructions:
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Start with Bacon: Place the bacon slices in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it becomes crispy and golden brown, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once crispy, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
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Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, use the remaining bacon fat and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion, diced green bell pepper, minced jalapeño, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
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Combine Ingredients: Stir in the corn kernels, sliced okra, and diced tomatoes into the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle in the cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the flavors meld together.
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Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan partially. Allow the Maque Choux to simmer gently for about 45 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
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Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Gently fold in the crumbled bacon, mixing it throughout the dish. Serve your Cajun Maque Choux warm, alongside your favorite Cajun or Creole main dishes.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 272.1
- Fat: 15.3g
- Saturated Fat: 6.1g
- Cholesterol: 25.6mg
- Sodium: 352.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 30.3g
- Fiber: 4.8g
- Sugar: 2.9g
- Protein: 8.2g
Enjoy this Southern delight that brings a taste of Cajun and Creole tradition to your table! Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special occasion, this Maque Choux is sure to impress. 🌽🍅🥓
