Shrimp Creole – A Bold and Spicy Classic with a Smoky Twist

If you’re craving something with a little heat and a lot of flavor, Shrimp Creole is calling your name. This Creole classic brings together juicy shrimp in a rich, savory tomato sauce, loaded with aromatic veggies like onions, celery, and bell peppers, and spiced with cumin, garlic, and bay leaf. The result is a dish that’s packed with flavor, slightly smoky, and downright irresistible.

But if you want to take it up a notch, pair this Shrimp Creole with Kurvball BBQ Whiskey. The whiskey’s smoky-sweet character brings out the depth of the tomatoes and the spices, adding another layer of bold flavor. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this Shrimp Creole will leave you feeling like you’re on Bourbon Street, even if you’re just at your own kitchen table.

Ingredients

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large onions, chopped fine
• 1 cup finely chopped celery (about 2 stalks)
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into ½-inch dice
• ½ green bell pepper, cut into ½-inch dice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1½ pounds large shrimp (about 32), shelled and deveined
• For Serving: 1 cup uncooked rice, prepared according to package instructions (omit butter or margarine)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large, heavy kettle or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onions, celery, and diced bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Base Ingredients

Add the chicken broth, chopped tomatoes, bay leaf, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes, or until it thickens and the flavors come together.

Step 4: Add the Shrimp

Stir in the shrimp, making sure they’re evenly distributed in the sauce. Cover the pot and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve

Spoon the Shrimp Creole over hot, cooked rice. For the ultimate experience, serve it with a glass of Kurvball BBQ Whiskey to enhance the smoky depth of the dish.

This Shrimp Creole is the kind of meal that hits all the right notes: bold, savory, and just the right amount of spicy. The sweet, smoky essence of Kurvball BBQ Whiskey pairs perfectly with the dish, adding a touch of BBQ flavor that brings out the warmth of the cumin and the richness of the tomatoes. Whether you’re cooking for friends or just treating yourself, this Shrimp Creole is sure to become a favorite.