Tag: Louisiana recipes

This Recipe for Rice Grits and Braised Chicken is Cajun Cooking at its Finest

Are you ready to take your taste buds on a trip down South? Look no further than this delicious recipe from Louisiana Cookin. With its unique blend of spices and rich, creamy texture, this dish is sure to transport you to the bayou with just one bite. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe for rice grits and braised chicken is easy to follow and will leave your guests begging for seconds. So grab your apron and get ready to whip up some authentic Southern cuisine!

Ingredients for Braised Chicken and Rice Grits

  • 4 chicken leg quarters
  • ¼ pound of thick-sliced bacon, diced
  • 1 cup of rice grits or cracked rice
  • 5 cups of chicken broth
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • ¼ cup of lard
  • 1 cup of diced onion
  • 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
  • ½ cup of mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 5 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons of packed fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons of packed fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup and 1 tablespoon of flour, divided
  • 4 teaspoons of salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper

Directions for Braised Chickens and Rice Grits

            1. To create your braised chicken, you’ll begin this recipe by seasoning your quartered chicken legs with salt and pepper and dusting them with 1 cup of flour. Then, in a large skillet that is set over medium-high heat, add your ¼ cup of lard. After it coats the bottom of the skillet, add in your seasoned and coated chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken until the leg quarters are golden brown on both sides, at which point you’ll remove the chicken and set the pieces aside.
  2. Next, while using the same pan, you’ll add in your bacon and render the pieces halfway over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until golden and then add mushrooms and cook while stirring occasionally until browned, which should take approximately 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in your 1 remaining tablespoon of flour, chicken broth, red wine, bay leaf, and thyme. After the ingredients are all combined you’ll add in your reserved chicken and cook the contents of the skillet while covered until the meat begins to fall off of the bone, which should take about 30 to 40 minutes.
  4. Combine your basil, parsley, chives, and salt into the mixing bowl of a food processor. Add in a touch of olive oil and pulse until the ingredients are chopped. Then, take these crushed herbs and stir them into your gravy. Adjust the seasoning to your preferred taste, if needed.
  5. In a large skillet that’s set over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add onion and garlic. Cook until the contents of the pan are softened, then add chicken broth and bring the contents of the pot to a boil. Add your rice grits or cracked rice, reduce the heat, and simmer while stirring occasionally, until it’s all tender. This should take about 10 minutes. Finish the pot with salt, pepper, and your remaining butter.
  6. Serve the chicken and pan sauce (gravy) with your rice grits, and enjoy!

Notes:

When it comes to making delicious rice grits, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you get the best results. First of all, make sure that you use good quality white rice for your grits. This will ensure that they have a nice, fluffy texture. Secondly, don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasoning. Try adding in some salt, pepper, garlic, or even a bit of hot sauce to give your grits some extra flavor. Make sure to cook your grits slowly and patiently. This will help them to absorb all of the flavors from the seasonings and produce a delicious final product.

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A Fried Catfish Recipe Fit for Any Cajun

If you’re a seafood lover, then you’ll definitely want to try this mouth-watering Louisiana Fried Catfish recipe from LouisianaCookin. This southern classic is a delicious blend of crispy, golden-brown catfish fillets coated in a flavorful cornmeal mixture. With just the right amount of seasoning and crunch, it’s no wonder why this dish has become one of the most sought-after meals across the country. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking because your taste buds won’t regret it.

If you’re looking to fry up some delicious catfish, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, when it comes to choosing your catfish, make sure to select ones that are fresh and of a good size. You’ll also want to give them a good rinse before cooking. As for the batter, there are many different recipes out there but it’s recommended that you use a simple cornmeal batter. Once you have your catfish coated, carefully lower them into hot oil that’s been preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Finally, be sure to serve your fried catfish with some tasty sides like hush puppies, coleslaw, and french fries.

Ingredients

  • 6 (6-ounce) catfish fillets
  • 2 cups of whole buttermilk
  • ¼ cup of hot sauce
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 3 cups plain stone-ground yellow cornmeal
  • 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
  • Lemon wedges, to serve
  • Kosher Salt, for garnish

Directions

  1. In order to start this wonderful recipe, you’ll first want to pour your whole buttermilk into a large bowl with your preferred hot sauce. Use a whisk to mix the buttermilk with your hot cause and then add in your six catfish filets to fully coat them. Cover this bowl and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour and at most overnight. You would want to marinate the catfish overnight if you would want the liquid to penetrate the entire piece of fish and infuse flavor evenly throughout the catfish. It makes for a richer final result.
  2. After marinating, you’ll take a large Dutch oven and pour enough vegetable oil in it so that you have a depth of about 3 inches. Heat this Dutch oven over medium heat until you can insert a deep-fry thermometer into it and register a reading of 350°F.
  3. Take a shallow dish and whisk together your plain stone-ground yellow cornmeal and your Creole seasoning. Remove the catfish from the bowl, allowing the excess to drip off, and discard the remaining marinade after all six filets are removed.
  4. Dredge your catfish in your cornmeal mixture and make sure to lightly shake off any excess. You’ll then work in batches to fry your catfish for 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown while turning occasionally. This process should take approximately 3-4 minutes.
  5. After removing a fried catfish filet from the oil, you’ll dry it on folded paper towels.
  6. Serve with lemon wedges and garnish with salt, if you’d like. Enjoy!

Popular Side Dishes for Fried Catfish:

There are many popular side dishes that can be served with fried catfish. Some of the most common include hush puppies, coleslaw, potato salad, and green beans.

  • Hush puppies are a southern staple that’s usually made from cornmeal batter and deep fried. They are a perfect side for fried catfish as they soak up any excess grease.
  • Coleslaw is another popular side dish that is often served with fried foods. It is a simple salad made of shredded cabbage and carrots, dressed in a vinegar-based dressing. The acidity of the dressing helps to cut through the richness of the fried catfish.
  • Potato salad is another common side dish in the south. It is usually made with mayonnaise, eggs, celery, and mustard. The potatoes can be either boiled or mashed, depending on your preference.
  • Smothered green beans are also a common side dish in Louisiana. They are typically cooked with bacon and onions, and seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper.

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Red Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe

Red beans and rice is a classic New Orleans dish, and it’s one of the tastiest and easiest dishes to make that’s also packed with flavor. Thanks to this genuine, flavorful New Orleans–Style Red Beans and Rice recipe from Serious Eats, you can rest assured that you’ll be enjoying a hearty bowl of red beans and sausage in no time.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. In order to begin cooking this recipe by placing your red beans in a large bowl and covering it with about 6 cups of cold water. Add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt and stir until the salt is dissolved. Set this aside for around 8 to 16 hours at room temperature. Afterward, drain the pot and rinse.
  2. Next, place your vegetable oil into a large Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add your andouille or smoked sausage and cook, stirring, until the discs are lightly browned. This will take about 5 minutes. Then, add in your finely chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Season with salt and cook, stirring, until the vegetables have softened and are just starting to brown around the edges. This will take approximately 8 minutes.
  3. Add in your minced garlic and cook until the Dutch oven is quite fragrant. Stir in your cayenne pepper, sage, and a generous dozen grinds of fresh black peppercorn before adding your rinsed beans along with enough water to cover the Dutch Oven by about 2 inches (roughly 6 to 8 cups). If using, place your ham hock, tasso, or pickled pork into the pot. Additionally, add in your thyme leaves and three bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours before cooking is complete. Note: older beans take much longer to cook thoroughly than more recent ones.
  4. After the initial cooking, remove the lid of your Dutch oven, and add a cup of water to the pot. After about 20 minutes, the liquid should be reduced and start to turn creamy. It will not be as smooth or creamy if you’re cooking in a crock pot.
  5. Once satisfied with the texture and consistency, you’ll discard your bay leaves and thyme stems. Season to taste with your preferred amount of dashes of hot sauce, cider vinegar (if using), and salt and pepper. For the best texture, let your red beans and rice cool overnight in the refrigerator before reheating tomorrow. When reheating, add more water occasionally to make it looser when served. Serve red beans over white rice.
  6. Enjoy!

Notes:

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32 Classic New Orleans Recipes for Mardi Gras

 

Last week, Southern Living featured a stovetop crawfish recipe. This week, the New Orleans theme continues as they feature 31 more classic Mardi Gras recipes from this article. These 31 recipes range from Shrimp Malacca with Rice to Chicken Andouille Gumbo (all favorites of any Louisianan) but our personal favorite we wanted to share this week is a delicious seafood gumbo recipe, which you can also find here.

This recipe is perfect for the chilly weather we have coming in and it is also easy to make for a large group of people who you may be celebrating Mardi Gras with over the next few weeks. Whoever you choose to make it for, let us know how yours came out and if you decided to add anything extra to it!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh lump crabmeat
  • 3 pounds medium-size raw shrimp (with heads)
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • 6 tablespoons oil, divided
  • 2 pounds frozen sliced okra, thawed*
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 pound andouille sausage, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chopped green onions, divided
  • 1 (6-oz.) can tomato paste
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 (14.5-oz.) can whole tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped, liquid reserved
  • 1 pt. oysters (between 2 dozen and 3 dozen)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • Hot cooked long-grain rice

How to Make It

Step 1

Pick crabmeat, removing any bits of shell.

Step 2

Remove shrimp shells and heads. Cover and refrigerate shrimp, and place shells and heads in a large stockpot. Add 8 cups water and a generous pinch of salt, and bring mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, partially covered, 1 hour. Cool 30 minutes; pour stock through a fine wire-mesh strainer, and reserve for use in Step Discard shells and heads.

Step 3

Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat, and add okra. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt, and sauté 10 minutes. Set aside okra, and wipe out skillet. Heat another tablespoon of oil in skillet over medium-high heat, and sauté andouille about 8 minutes or until brown. Set aside.

Step 4

Heat remaining 3 Tbsp. oil in a large heavy pot over high heat. Add flour, reduce heat to medium, and cook, stirring constantly, about 10 minutes or until roux is a medium-to-dark brown. Add yellow onions, celery, and bell pepper, and sauté 4 to 5 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften. Add garlic and 1/2 cup green onions, and cook 3 more minutes. Stir in tomato paste and next 7 ingredients. Stir in tomatoes and 1/3 cup of their liquid; gradually stir in shrimp stock. Add reserved sausage and okra. Bring to a boil over high heat, and cover. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 30 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in shrimp and remaining green onions, and simmer 3 minutes. Stir in crabmeat, oysters, and parsley, and simmer 1 minute. Remove from heat. Taste and add salt, if desired. Serve over rice.

Step 6

* Fresh okra may be substituted for frozen.

Quick and Easy Mini King Cake Recipe

 

King Cake season is here! That means you can’t go into any grocery store or bakery without seeing these delicious cakes. But what if you decide that you want to adventure out of your own and make your own king cake? Pillsbury has come up with a delicious cinnamon roll, king cake recipe that is quick and easy. In just 40 minutes, you can have your own king cake fresh out of the oven. For serving information and expert tips, you can click here.

Ingredients

  • 1 can (17.5 oz) Pillsbury™ Grands! cinnamon rolls with icing
  • 2 tablespoons yellow colored sugar
  • 2 tablespoons purple colored sugar
  • 2 tablespoons green colored sugar

 Directions:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease cookie sheet
  • Separate dough into 5 rolls. To make mini king cake, unroll 1 roll into a dough rope; fold rope in half lengthwise. Twist dough in a spiral, and shape into a circle. Place on cookie sheet. Repeat to use up rolls, placing 2 inches apart.
  • Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Spread icing on warm cakes. Sprinkle with colored sugars.

‘Soft-shell’ chargrilled oyster recipe for Tailgating

 

Here in Louisiana, we are always looking for new ideas when it comes to what to cook for tailgating events. We are also always up for a delicious recipe when it comes to Oysters – and the fact that this one includes French bread doesn’t hurt!

Scott “Sparky” Sparks talks about how he created this recipe here. Be sure to check it out with more information and tips on how to perfect this style of cooking oysters.

Soft-shell chargrilled oysters Ingredients
Makes 2 dozen

  • 24 to 48 raw oysters, depending on size
  • 1 long loaf French bread, enough to slice 24 1-1/2- to 2-inch-thick pieces

Ingredients For sauce

  • 3/4 pound butter
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce, or to taste
  • 3 teaspoons white vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons molasses
  • 1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • 3 teaspoons Worcestershire
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • To top and assemble
  • 1 pound to 3/4 pounds cheese, grated
  • Creole seasoning, to taste
  • 4 to 6 green onions, coarsely chopped
  • 4 or 5 fresh lemons

Directions

  • Shuck oysters, or buy them unshucked.
  • Slice French bread on an angle, or bias, into 1/2-inch slices.
  • Make sauce: Combine butter, garlic, hot sauce, vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire in a bowl and cook over low heat just until the butter is melted. Wait 5 minutes, then add parsley, salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Pour sauce into a shallow side pan or bowl. Allow sauce to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Place bread slices on sheet pans. Dip one side of bread slice into the sauce. Place it dry side down on the sheet pan. Continue until all slices are dipped. (Only dip one side, so that the bottom of the bread can get crisp and firm, making the oysters easier to manage.)
  • Lift oysters out of oyster liquid and allow to drip for a few seconds. Place an oyster on top of each bread slice. If oysters are small, put 2 on each slice.
  • Sprinkle Creole seasoning on each oyster, to taste. Top each with a generous tablespoon of grated cheese. Sprinkle chopped green onions op top.
  • Preheat grill or oven to 350 degrees.
  • If using oven, slide sheet pans into oven and bake about 30 minutes, checking after 15 minutes.
  • If grilling, use indirect heat by pushing coals to other side of grill; then place bread directly on the grill. Close grill and allow to cook for about 30 minutes, checking after 15 minutes.

Enjoy!