[Recipe] Shrimp Tchoupitoulas atop Lima Beans

I love southern Louisiana! But most of all…I love New Orleans! Maybe it’s the people, the music, the…hell who am I kidding, its the FOOD! New Orleans has a cuisine that is unique to the people and its rich culture has influenced food the world over. One of my favorite dishes from the region is Shrimp Tchoupitoulas. Normally it’s served with crusty french bread, but I wanted something healthier, but still tasty…hence the lima beans!

You’ll need to muster up these ingredients:

For the shrimp:

• 12 tbsp cold butter (1 ½ sticks), divided

• 1 tsp Creole seasoning (Emeril’s or Tony Chachere’s)

• 2 oz clam juice

• 1 tsp minced fresh garlic

• 10 to 12 large shrimp (21 to 25 count), peeled and de-veined, with tails

• 1/4 cup cremini, sliced 1/4-inch thick

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves

• 3 tbsp thinly sliced scallions, green part only

 

For the lima beans:

• ¼ cup chopped onions

• ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper

• ¼ cup chopped celery

• 1 tsp minced fresh garlic

• · 2 tbsp EVOO

• 1lb frozen lima beans

• 8 oz chicken broth

• 1 tsp Creole seasoning

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt, to taste

Start with the lima beans first, as they will take the longest to cook. Heat a heavy bottom skillet over medium until hot. Add the EVOO…after 30 secs add the onions, bell pepper and celery and saute about 2 minutes then add the garlic. Saute for another minute then add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the lima beans and let return to a boil. Add the remaining ingredients, except the salt, and cook, uncovered, on medium for about 20 minutes.

While the beans are cooking, melt 8 tbsp of the butter in a skillet. Add the Creole seasoning, clam juice, garlic and shrimp. Sauté until the shrimp are pink and in the shape of the letter “C” (not “O”). Add the mushrooms, parsley, and scallions. Sauté until the mushrooms are tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the remaining 4 tbsp of butter and continue cooking until the sauce is creamy.

Five minutes before the beans are done, taste to see if salt is needed and add to taste. Spoon the beans into a shallow bowl (add rice if you like!) and mount a hearty helping of shrimp atop the beans, top with a few more scallions and….laissez les bons temps rouler!