Shrimp Etouffee

Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chopped onions
2 cups chopped green bell peppers
2 cups chopped celery
2 tablespoons minced garlic
One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons Emeril's Original Essence
1 quart Shrimp Stock
3 pounds medium shrimp (21 to 25 per pound), peeled and deveined
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Steamed white rice, for serving
1/2 cup thinly sliced tender green onion tops, for garnish

Instructions

In a large Dutch oven set over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir continuously to make a roux. Stir the roux over medium heat until the color of peanut butter, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic to the roux, and cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes to the pot and season with the bay leaves, salt, cayenne, and 1 tablespoon Essence. Cook the tomatoes for 2 to 3 minutes and then whisk in the Shrimp Stock.

Bring the pot to a boil, and reduce to a simmer. Cook the EtouffÈe, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes. Season the shrimp with the remaining tablespoon Essence and add them to the pot, stirring to evenly distribute. Cook the shrimp for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Add the chopped parsley to the pot and stir to combine. Serve the EtouffÈe with steamed white rice. Garnish with the green onion tops.

Makes 3 quarts, about 10 servings