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Authentic Creole Sauce: A Taste of New Orleans

Authentic Louisiana Creole Sauce Recipe

Dive into the rich flavors of the bayou with this mouthwatering Creole sauce. Perfect for elevating po’boys, blackened fish, and virtually any grilled protein, this versatile sauce will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Louisiana.

Embark on a culinary journey through the streets of New Orleans with this classic Creole sauce recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious home cook, this sauce serves as an excellent introduction to the vibrant world of Creole cuisine.

At the heart of this sauce lies the iconic Creole ‘holy trinity’—a flavorful blend of onions, celery, and green bell peppers. These aromatics are sautéed to perfection before being joined by a chorus of complementary ingredients, including garlic, tomatoes, and a carefully crafted blend of spices that capture the essence of Creole cooking.

After a 20-minute simmer, the sauce is finished with a pat of butter for silky smoothness, along with fresh parsley and green onions for a burst of color and flavor. The result? A sauce that embodies the true spirit of Creole cuisine, offering a complex flavor profile that goes beyond any ordinary tomato-based sauce.

Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors as this sauce dances on your palate. The fresh vegetables provide a garden-like foundation, while the spices mingle harmoniously, featuring the distinct notes of white pepper and culminating in a gentle kick of heat from the hot sauce and cayenne.

While this Creole sauce shines when paired with blackened catfish, its versatility knows no bounds. Use it as a base for shrimp Creole, slather it on a po’boy, or generously spoon it over your favorite grilled meats. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this sauce is guaranteed to add a touch of New Orleans magic to your meal.

Authentic Creole Sauce

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup diced onions (about 1 medium)
  • 1/2 cup diced celery (about 2 stalks)
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper (about 1 medium)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 medium cloves)
  • 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups low-sodium store-bought or homemade chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon Louisiana-style hot sauce (such as Frank’s or Crystal), plus more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the holy trinity of onions, celery, and green peppers, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften, about 3 to 5 minutes. Introduce the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing its aroma to bloom.
  2. Now, it’s time to layer in the flavors. Add the tomatoes, chicken stock, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, white pepper, cayenne pepper, and thyme. Bring this aromatic mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly, letting the flavors meld for about 20 minutes.
  3. Once the sauce has reduced, remove and discard the bay leaves. Introduce the butter, stirring until it’s completely melted and incorporated. Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the fresh parsley and green onions. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional hot sauce if desired. Your Creole sauce is now ready to elevate any dish! Store any leftover sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
28 Calories
2g Fat
1g Carbs
0g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 32
Amount per serving
Calories 28
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 4mg 1%
Sodium 119mg 5%
Total Carbohydrate 1g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 2%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 6mg 28%
Calcium 11mg 1%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 66mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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