Are you craving a deeply flavorful, comforting meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this slow cooker etouffee recipe! This classic Cajun dish, typically a labor of love, becomes incredibly accessible with the help of your trusty slow cooker. Get ready for tender shrimp and a rich, spicy sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to Louisiana. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a delicious foundation for your etouffee.
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Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned. This creates a roux, which thickens the sauce. Don't rush this step; a properly cooked roux is key to a great etouffee.
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Slow Cooker Magic: Transfer the vegetable mixture to your slow cooker. Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. This is where the slow cooker takes over, simplifying the cooking process.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the vegetables are very tender. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors become.
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Add the Shrimp: About 30 minutes before serving, gently stir in the shrimp. Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they should be pink and opaque.
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Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over cooked rice. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder etouffee, use less; for a spicier kick, add more.
- Seafood Swap: Feel free to substitute other seafood, such as crawfish tails or crab meat, for the shrimp.
- Andouille Sausage: Add 1 pound of sliced andouille sausage along with the vegetables for a richer, more savory etouffee. Cook the sausage until browned before adding the flour.
- Make it Ahead: This etouffee tastes even better the next day! Prepare it ahead of time and reheat gently before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This slow cooker etouffee recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious dishes don't have to be complicated. It's a perfect example of how easy recipes can deliver big on flavor and satisfaction. This healthy meal is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and prepare for a taste of Louisiana comfort food. Enjoy!