Lobster Etouffee

I have a confession to make.

We have no idea how to say "etouffee"

{I'm slightly embarassed that my NOLA friends may see this... please still be my friend!}

Jason just called the dish "creole" with a full-on Texan accent. I called it "et something or nothing."

It really didn't matter what it was called because it was simply "delicious"! It's hard to tell from the picture but the mixture is creamy and thick thanks to that great roux you create. Add to it delicious veggies and tender bites of lobster and you've got a tasty dinner in a bowl. Feel good comfort food.

The spice can be adjusted to your taste. I'm a big weenie and just added hot sauce at the end to taste - even a good amount seemed to just add depth to the flavor without heat. Have it on hand to add at the end if you don't like spice; I think you'll decide it needs it.

Also, you could sub in shrimp or crawfish if you'd rather. I happened to have some lobster in the freezer I needed to use up.

This makes a large portion - enough for 8 servings!  

Lobster Etouffee
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup butter plus 4 tablespoons butter reserved
1/2 cup flour, plus extra flour as needed to form a paste
1 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or to taste
3-5 dashes hot sauce or to taste
1 8-ounce jar clam juice
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
3 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon salt
1 pound or 4 cups lobster meat (can substitute crawfish or shrimp)
1/2 cup minced green onions, plus extra for garnish
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley leaves

To make the roux, melt butter with oil in a large heavy saucepan over low heat. Whisk flour into the oil to form a paste and cooking over low heat and whisk continuously, until the mixture turns a caramel color and gives off a nutty aroma, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Add the onion, green pepper, celery, and garlic and cook over low heat until the vegetables are limp, about 5 minutes.

Add the black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, green onions, parsley, and hot sauce to taste. Add clam juice, chicken broth, tomatoes with their juice and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until mixture thickens.

Add lobster meat and cook for 3-5 minutes careful not to overcook. Remove from heat and add the 4 tablespoons reserved butter and stir to melt. Garnish with the green onions, parsley and serve over steamed rice.

Recipe source: Foodie Crush (via Pinterest)