New Orleans is a fun place to visit, and I have done so several times in the past.

Delicious Shrimp Etouffee

Ingredients

• 2 pounds shrimps, shelled
• 4 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 sweet pepper (or hald each of red and green bell peppers), chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium-sized onions, minced
• 4 sprigs green onions, chopped
• 3 tabespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 lemon, juice only
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teapoon dried Basil leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 reaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1-1/2 cups water

Directions

1. In a heated skillet, saute onions in butter.

2. Add garlic, sweet peppers and celery.

3. Continue sauteing the vegetables until the onions are transluscent.

4. Add tomato paste and the juce from 1 lemon. Stir and mix well to blend the tomato paste with the vegetables.

5. Season by adding all spices. Mix well.

6. Cover the skillet and bring vegetables to a boil.

7. Taste the sauce. Add salt if needed.

8. Add and stir in the flour to combine well with the vegetables.

9. Add 1-1/2 cups water. Stir then cover the skillet and bring it to a boil.

10. Add the SHRIMPS to the etouffee. Gently stir the shrimps to combine with well with the seasoned vegetables. Put the lid back and cook the etoufee for about 15 minutes or until the shrimps are cooked.

11. Add the green onions and celery leaves (or parsley).

12. Serve the Shrimo Etoufee with Steamed Rice or French Bread.