Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound alligator meat, cut into 2-inch strips
• Essence, recipe follows
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped green bell peppers
• 2 tablespoons minced seeded jalapeno peppers
• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 1/2 cups peeled, seeded and chopped tomatoes
• 3 cups chicken stock
• Pinch of cayenne
• Salt and black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Directions

Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):

• 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme