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Description
Creole sauce is a richly flavorful tomato-based sauce that was introduced to Puerto Rican cuisine by the Spanish. In this version, the sauce comes together easily with the help of fresh Puerto Rican Sofrito and pantry staples. Add some shrimp, and you have yourself a quick and delicious weeknight meal. For a fancier presentation, you could split and butterfly the shrimp before cooking, but that’s totally optional. You could also substitute bite-size chunks of firm fish such as cod or snapper for the shrimp. Traditionally, Creole sauce is served on top of mofongo, a garlicky fried mashed green plantain dish. But we also enjoy it with white rice and fried ripe plantains. The recipe is a Yummly original created by Reina Gascon-Lopez.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 Tbsp. sofrito
- 1 yellow onion (large, thinly sliced)
- 2 tsp. capers (rinsed and drained)
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1 bay leaf (large)
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 2 tsp. garlic powder
- 2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (1 can is 28 ounces; or use 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced)
- 1 can tomato sauce (1 can is 8 ounces)
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp. sazon seasoning (or 2 packets)
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or water, about)
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 lb. large peeled and deveined raw shrimp
- 1 pinch sugar (to taste)
- thinly sliced green onions (for serving)
- lime wedges (for serving)
- steamed rice (for serving)
- plantains (fried, for serving; optional)
Directions
- Preheat a large pot such as a Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Sauté the sofrito until it’s fragrant and toasty, 3 to 5 minutes. Then add the sliced onion and capers and stir well. Season with salt, black pepper, bay leaf, oregano, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook, stirring often and scraping the bottom of the pan, until the onion is slightly translucent, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Then add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste and stir to blend. Add the sazón and vegetable broth. Bring the sauce to a boil; then reduce heat to medium to medium-low and cook at a low boil for about 15 minutes, stirring often.
- In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water. Stir into the sauce to thicken it and cook, stirring, another 2 minutes. It should be the consistency of a gravy.
- Fold in the shrimp and reduce the heat low. Once the shrimp are no longer translucent and are pink and slightly firm, about 2 minutes, they’re ready. Taste and add some sugar if the Creole sauce is a little acidic (this will depend on the tomatoes themselves and personal preference).
- Sprinkle the dish with green onions. Serve immediately with lime wedges, steamed white rice, and fried plantains if you like.
NutritionView More
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Calories160Calories from Fat90 |
% DAILY VALUE |
Total Fat10g15% |
Saturated Fat1g5% |
Trans Fat |
Cholesterol |
Sodium1220mg51% |
Potassium330mg9% |
Protein2g |
Calories from Fat90 |
% DAILY VALUE |
Total Carbohydrate19g6% |
Dietary Fiber3g12% |
Sugars7g |
Vitamin A25% |
Vitamin C30% |
Calcium4% |
Iron8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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