Shrimp Creole

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell peppers
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can stewed tomatoes
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 1/2 pounds small shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Tostones, recipe follows
• Green onions, for garnish

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet and cook the onion, pepper, celery, peppers, and garlic over low heat until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, sugar, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep mixture from sticking.

Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir the cornstarch into the tomato mixture and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the shrimp are done with a pink color. Spoon Shrimp Creole into Tostones and garnish with green onions.

• Tostones
• Recipe courtesy Kamar de los Reyes
• Oil, for frying
• 3 plantains
• Salt

Special equipment: "Old Fashioned Plantain Smasher"

Preheat oil to 350 degrees F.

Cut plantains down the middle; peel away skin and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces.

Add plantains to the hot oil and fry until golden; about 2 to 3 minutes. Do not overcook as you want the center to still be raw. Lightly salt.

*Cook's Note: Check the doneness with a toothpick. The middle of the plantain should still feel starchy and cool.

Put the fried plantain through the old fashioned smasher. This will make it a cup shape.

Place the "the plantain cup" into the deep-fryer and fry again until golden brown and fully firm, about 2 to 3 minutes Drain on a paper towel lined sheet tray. Season with salt.

A viewer, who may not be a professional cook, provided this recipe. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe and therefore, we cannot make representation as to the results.

Yield: 3 to 5 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ease of preparation: easy