Shrimp Étouffée

 2 T. cooking oil

2 T. flour

1½ cups canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock

1 green bell pepper, chopped

2 ribs celery, chopped

2 onions, chopped

1 bay leaf

2 teaspoons salt

¼ t. cayenne

½ t. fresh-ground black pepper

½ t. dried thyme

1½ pounds medium shrimp, shelled

2 scallions including green tops, chopped

Boiled or steamed rice, for serving


In a large frying pan or Dutch oven, heat the oil over moderate heat until almost smoking. Add the flour and whisk until it's the color of peanut butter, about 3 minutes. Whisk in the broth and continue whisking until the sauce starts to thicken, about 2 minutes. Stir in the bell pepper, celery, onions, bay leaf, salt, cayenne, black pepper, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Add the shrimp and scallions and simmer until the shrimp are just done, about 3 minutes. Serve the Étouffée over the rice. Serves 4.