Shrimp Creole

Preparation

1. Make tomato sauce:

   Step 1

   In a large heavy skillet cook onion in oil over moderate heat, stirring, until softened. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add remaining sauce ingredients and salt and pepper to taste and simmer sauce, stirring occasionally, 45 minutes, or until thickened. Discard bay leaf and in a food processor purée sauce until smooth. Tomato sauce may be prepared up to this point 2 days ahead and chilled, covered.

2. Make Creole seasoning:

   Step 2

   In a small bowl stir together Creole seasoning ingredients.

3. Step 3

   In a large heavy saucepan cook onion, celery, bell peppers, and jalapeño in oil over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add Creole seasoning and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add tomatoes and 2 cups sauce and simmer, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes. Creole sauce may be prepared up to this point 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring Creole sauce to a simmer before proceeding.

4. Step 4

   Discard bay leaves and add shrimp to Creole sauce. Simmer mixture, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes, or until shrimp are cooked through.

5. Step 5

   Serve shrimp Creole over rice, garnished with parsley.