Mardi Gras Creajun Shrimp with Black Beans & Rice

What do you mean you haven’t heard of Creajun food? Truth be told, its my version of Creole meets Cajun food, a cuisine Southern Louisiana and Mississippi hold dear, neither of which I’m well versed in but that’s the beauty about cooking. I have the freedom to make whatever I want, like Creajun food, and since it’s Mardi Gras, there’s no better time to give it a go.

Creajun food is all about spices and flavor. Since Cajun people are so close to the Gulf of Mexico, seafood is a big item in their diet, so these are the basic staples of creating your own Creajun recipes.

RECIPE:
Serves 4

1 lb (36-30’s) medium shrimp – peeled & deveined
1 tsp Cajun spice mix
1 tbsp olive oil
Toss together in a small mixing bowl and refrigerate until needed. Remove from fridge 1/2 hour before cooking to let them come to room temp.

BLACK BEAN & RICE RECIPE:
Serving size of rice 1/4 cup

1/2 cup brown rice – uncooked
1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup zucchini – small dice
1 cup yellow squash – small dice
1 cup eggplant – small dice
1 cup red pepper – small dice
1/2 red onion – fine dice
2 medium garlic cloves – minced
1/2 tbsp Cajun spice mix
1 cup cooked black beans
1 tbsp olive oil
S&P

DIRECTIONS:
Begin by cooking rice as per instructions. While rice is cooking, preheat a large saute pan on medium-low heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and saute onions, red pepper and garlic for 3-4 minutes, stirring. Do not brown. Once softened, add zucchini, squash and eggplant and toss together. Saute for 5 mins, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle Cajun spices and continue sauteing for another 4-5 minutes or until veg are just softened. Season with pinch of salt. Once rice is cooked, drain and add 1 cup cooked rice to veg mix. Saute together and season with S&P to your own personal taste.

To cook shrimp:
Preheat grill pan on high for 2 minutes. Spray pan with olive oil spray and cook marinated shrimp for 2 minuted each side. They should be pink in color and firm to the touch.
Serve with a lemon wedge and you’re all set. This is both flavourful and nutritious. You’ll love it.

All recipes are made with the finest quality farmers market whole foods, natural and non-processed ingredients.