Hey y'all. We're up and running again - finally. It's been a comedy of errors but I'll spare you the details. We sure have some catching up to do because we've had 4 awesome dinner's since this enforced computer vacation. I'll tell ya' one thing though - it's proved to me just how much time I spend on this darn contraption. I mean the house is cleaned, the windows washed, the laundry done, ironing up to date and I was even contemplating putting a coat of starch in the big guy's underwear. Needless to say, he's going to be VERY happy the computer's home!
Last night's dinner had to be something that would hold well since the big guy's started teaching a late class on Wednesdays. I wanted to try something different and it had to be calorie conscious as well as high in the flavor quotient. I settled on this. Download Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Stew
The trinity of green bell pepper, onion and celery is sauteed in a dutch oven until the vegetables are soft, then joined by some garlic - in our case a lot of garlic, creole seasoning, cayenne and oregano and given a chance to heat up a bit before 6 ounces of smoked andouille sausage hit the pan. After the sausage acquired a little brown color, I added some chicken broth along with a can of Rotel tomatoes and let it simmer for 40 minutes. Just before serving I threw in a can of great northern beans and 8 ounces of peeled and de-veined medium shrimp. Garnished with a little parsley and some extra hot sauce, this simple stew filled some very hungry bellies. It kind of made my eyes "bug" out a tad though I gotta' admit.
It had what the big guy calls "a dew". What that means is there's enough spicy heat that it makes your eyes water and your nose run - mine, not his. What can I say? He's immune to excess spice. Actually, I'll amend that statement to almost immune. I did happen to see him once crying over some home made East Indian hot sauce we picked up at the Millarville Market in Alberta. I should have figured something was up when the vendor asked if we were sure we wanted two jars of the stuff. Now that was HOT!
Welcome back! Missed ya much! The stew looks devine and sounds filling. My tomato allergy and my hubby's aversion to picante will prevent this exact dish from being on the menu here but I like the idea of the shrimp/sausage/bean combo for the winter. Gives me an idea for something for dinner... I have shrimp, little smokies, beans.... leftover pasta... hmmmmmm let me go explore...
Posted by: Lea | 01/14/2010 at 12:19 PM
Lea, I thought of you re the tomatoes, but no yikey picante? Is your husband Canadian? LOL I missed you too by the way. Thanks for being here!
Posted by: June | 01/14/2010 at 12:34 PM
Wonder if the whole story about the East Indian hot sauce would make the Blog
Posted by: gman | 01/14/2010 at 12:58 PM
Welcome back! Geeze we all missed you! I hope your puter problem has been solved for good.
This stew (minus the shrimp, of course) would go over well here. And hubby and I sound like you and the big guy regarding our differences to heat tolerance.
Posted by: Mags | 01/14/2010 at 02:55 PM
GMan - No comment. LOL
Mags - It's so GREAT to be back! As if any menopausal woman needs an excuse to sweat! Once again, I think you could substitute chicken for the shrimp Mags, or just double the sausage and it would be delicious.
Posted by: June | 01/14/2010 at 03:25 PM
My husband can withstand very spicy himself, me just a tad is enough for me. Great dinner.
Posted by: noble pig | 01/14/2010 at 03:30 PM
Cathy - sounds like we'd all hit it off pretty darn well!
Posted by: June | 01/14/2010 at 03:35 PM
Sounds delicious, and some comforting. I always forgot how great a combintion shrimp and sausage are.
Posted by: katerina | 01/14/2010 at 09:38 PM
Katerina - it is a great combination isn't it? Thanks for visiting and for commenting too. Hope to see you again.
Posted by: June | 01/15/2010 at 05:37 AM