Authentic Louisiana Shrimp Creole

Ingredients

• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Onion (1, chopped)
• Green bell pepper (1, chopped)
• Celery (2 stalks, chopped)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Tomatoes (2 cups, chopped)
• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
• Chicken broth (1 cup)
• Bay leaf (1)
• Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
• Paprika (1 teaspoon)
• Thyme (1 teaspoon, dried)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined)
• Cooked rice (2 cups)
• Green onions (1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish))

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, bay leaf, cayenne pepper, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Combine well to ensure the spices are evenly spread.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Add the shrimp to the skillet, stirring to distribute them evenly in the sauce. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 5 minutes.
6. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
7. Serve the Shrimp Creole over a bed of cooked rice. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for garnish before serving.
8. Enjoy your trip to the heart of Louisiana with each sumptuous bite!