New Orleans Eats

Grillades (gree-AHDS) and grits is a classic New Orleans dish, typically served for breakfast or brunch. It consists of slow-cooked, tender beef or veal medallions simmered in a rich, Creole-style tomato gravy, served over creamy grits. Here's an authentic recipe for you:

New Orleans Grillades and Grits Recipe

(Serves 4-6)

Ingredients

For the Grillades (Meat and Gravy):

• 2 lbs beef round steak or veal, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup red wine (not cooking wine, optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ cup green onions, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Grits:

• 4 cups water (or use half water, half milk for creamier grits)
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional)

Instructions

1: Prepare the Meat

1. Season the steak pieces with salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
2. Dredge them lightly in flour, shaking off excess.

2: Brown the Meat

3. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
4. Brown the meat in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

3: Make the Gravy

5. In the same pan, add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
7. Add the diced tomatoes with juice, broth, Worcestershire sauce, wine, bay leaves, thyme, and smoked paprika.
8. Return the meat to the pan, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meat is tender and the gravy has thickened.
9. Stir in green onions and parsley just before serving.

4: Cook the Grits

10. Bring water (or water/milk combo) to a boil in a saucepan.
11. Stir in grits and salt, reduce heat to low, and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12. Add butter and cream (if using), stirring until smooth and creamy.

5: Serve

13. Spoon grits onto a plate or bowl, then top with the rich grillades and gravy. Garnish with extra parsley and green onions if desired.

Notes & Tips

• Meat Choices: Traditionally, veal is used, but beef round steak, chuck, boneless short ribs, or even pork works well.
• Thickness of the Gravy: If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for 15 extra minutes. If too thick, add a splash of broth.
• Grits Substitute: Some folks use mashed potatoes or rice, but stone-ground grits are the most authentic.

New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp is a classic dish that’s rich, buttery, and full of bold flavors. Interestingly, it doesn't involve traditional barbecue sauce or grilling. Instead, the shrimp are cooked in a savory, spicy, and buttery sauce with Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and black pepper. Here’s an authentic recipe:

New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp Recipe

(Serves 4)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs large head-on, shell-on shrimp (Gulf shrimp preferred)
• 1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh cracked black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tsp Creole seasoning (like Tony Chachere’s)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or seafood stock)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (Crystal or Tabasco preferred)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 loaf French bread, for dipping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp: If using head-on shrimp, rinse and pat dry. Keeping the shells on enhances the flavor.
2. Sauté Garlic & Spices: In a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter with olive oil. Add garlic, black pepper, paprika, Creole seasoning, cayenne, thyme, and salt. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Deglaze & Simmer: Add Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, white wine, chicken broth, and hot sauce. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Stir occasionally to coat them in the sauce.
5. Finish with Butter: Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in the remaining butter a few pieces at a time until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with warm French bread for soaking up the sauce.

Tips for Authentic Flavor:

• Use Head-On Shrimp: The heads release extra flavor into the sauce.
• Don’t Skimp on the Butter: It’s what makes the sauce rich and velvety.
• Adjust Spice Levels: New Orleans-style means bold flavors, so feel free to add more black pepper, cayenne, or hot sauce.
• Let It Sit: Some say the dish tastes even better if the shrimp sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving.

Wine Pairing & Side Dish Ideas for New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp

Wine Pairing:

Since this dish is rich, buttery, and spicy, you’ll want a wine that complements the flavors without overpowering them. Here are some great options:

1. White Wines (Crisp & Dry)
   • Sauvignon Blanc – Its acidity cuts through the butter while balancing the spice.
   • Chablis (Unoaked Chardonnay) – Bright minerality and citrus notes pair well with the shrimp.
   • Albariño – A Spanish white with crispness and slight salinity, making it great for seafood.
2. Sparkling Wines
   • Brut Champagne or Crémant – The bubbles cleanse the palate between bites.
   • Prosecco – A lightly fruity and refreshing option.
3. Light Reds & Rosé (If You Prefer Red)
   • Pinot Noir – A lighter red with bright acidity that can handle the spice.
   • Dry Rosé – Its fruitiness and crispness make it a solid choice.

Side Dish Ideas:

New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp is rich and flavorful, so pairing it with the right sides can enhance the meal.

1. French Bread (A Must!) – Crusty bread is essential to soak up all that delicious buttery sauce.
2. Creamy Grits – Serve the shrimp and sauce over cheesy grits for a comforting Southern twist.
3. Steamed Rice – Helps absorb the sauce while keeping things simple.
4. Maque Choux – A classic Louisiana side dish of corn, bell peppers, and onions sautéed in butter.
5. Coleslaw – A tangy, slightly sweet slaw balances the richness of the shrimp.
6. Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans – Adds a light, fresh contrast to the meal.
7. Cajun Cornbread – A slightly sweet, buttery cornbread with a hint of spice pairs beautifully.

In New Orleans, turtle soup is a rich, stew-like soup, often resembling a thick gumbo, made with turtle meat, typically alligator snapping turtle, and a beef stock base, featuring a creole mirepoix (onions, celery, and green peppers). Here's a classic New Orleans-Style Turtle Soup recipe that captures the rich, savory flavors the dish is known for. This version follows the traditional Creole style, often found in legendary restaurants like Commander's Palace.

Ingredients

For the Stock:

• 2 lbs turtle meat (or veal as a substitute if turtle is unavailable), cut into small pieces
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp thyme
• 10 cups water

For the Soup:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour (for roux)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup dry sherry
• 4 cups beef stock or turtle stock (from above)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges for garnish
• Hot sauce (like Crystal or Tabasco)

Instructions

1. Make the Stock
   • Place turtle meat, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme in a large stockpot.
   • Cover with water, bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer for 2-3 hours, skimming any foam.
   • Strain stock and set the turtle meat aside. Chop the meat into small pieces.
2. Make the Roux
   • In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Add flour and whisk constantly until it turns a dark brown (about the color of peanut butter), about 10-15 minutes.
3. Sauté Vegetables
   • Add onions, celery, bell pepper, and garlic to the roux. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
   • Stir in tomato paste, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne.
4. Simmer the Soup
   • Deglaze with dry sherry, scraping the bottom.
   • Add crushed tomatoes, turtle stock, thyme, oregano, and chopped turtle meat. Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes.
5. Finish the Soup
   • Stir in chopped hard-boiled eggs and parsley. Simmer for 10 more minutes.
   • Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
6. Serve
   • Ladle into bowls, garnish with lemon wedges, and serve with crusty French bread.

This soup is traditionally served with a splash of sherry at the table for that final authentic touch.

Here's an authentic Cajun-style jambalaya recipe that's packed with bold flavors and traditional ingredients. This version is the classic brown jambalaya, made without tomatoes, which is common in Cajun cuisine.

Authentic Cajun Jambalaya Recipe

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
• 1/2 lb smoked tasso (or ham), diced (optional)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp hot sauce (e.g., Louisiana Hot Sauce or Crystal)
• 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat:
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
   • Add the andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
   • Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery (the "Cajun trinity"). Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
3. Toast the Rice:
   • Add the rice to the pot and stir well, allowing it to toast slightly for about 2 minutes.
4. Build the Flavor:
   • Return the sausage and chicken to the pot.
   • Add the salt, black pepper, white pepper, paprika, cayenne, thyme, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Stir well.
   • Pour in the chicken broth, then add the bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
5. Simmer:
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Finish & Serve:
   • Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
   • Remove bay leaves, fluff the rice, and garnish with green onions and parsley.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with crusty French bread and a side of coleslaw.
• A cold beer or a glass of sweet tea pairs great with jambalaya!
• Add a few dashes of extra hot sauce for extra spice.

Want it a little spicier?

Spicier Version:

• Increase the cayenne pepper to 1 tsp (or more if you like it really hot).
• Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or serrano peppers when sautéing the vegetables.
• Use extra hot andouille sausage if available.
• Add an additional 2-3 tsp of hot sauce to the broth.
• Finish with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before serving.

Or add seafood.

Seafood Addition:

• Add 1/2 to 1 lb of shrimp (peeled and deveined) during the last 5 minutes of cooking—just enough to cook through without becoming rubbery.
• If you want even more seafood flavor, add 1/2 lb crawfish tails along with the shrimp.
• Substitute half of the chicken broth with seafood stock for deeper seafood flavor.

The French word étouffée literally translates to "smothered" or "suffocated". It comes from the verb étouffer. In cooking, étouffée refers to a method of cooking seafood or meat in a flavorful sauce. The result is a stew-like dish. Étouffée is made by cooking seafood or meat in a roux-based sauce that typically includes onion, celery, and bell pepper. The dish is often served over white rice.

Shrimp Étouffée is a classic Louisiana dish with a rich, flavorful roux-based sauce. It should not be confused with Shrimp Creole, which includes a tomato-based sauce.

Here's an authentic recipe that brings out the deep Cajun and Creole flavors.

Authentic Shrimp Étouffée Recipe

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Roux:

• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

For the Étouffée:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper (green or red), finely chopped
• 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups seafood or chicken stock
• 1 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 lb medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Make the Roux:
   • In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat.
   • Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 10-15 minutes until the roux reaches a peanut butter color. Be careful not to burn it.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery (the Holy Trinity) to the roux. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
   • Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Build the Flavor:
   • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
   • Gradually whisk in the seafood or chicken stock, ensuring no lumps form.
   • Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and the bay leaf.
   • Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
   • Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and shrimp.
   • Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
   • Remove the bay leaf and stir in the green onions, parsley, and lemon juice.
5. Serve:
   • Spoon the étouffée over hot cooked rice.
   • Garnish with extra green onions or parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Étouffée:

• Use fresh shrimp (preferably Gulf shrimp) for the best flavor.
• Homemade seafood stock (made from shrimp shells) enhances the dish.
• For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
• For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce.