If you’re a ‘sea-foodie,’ this might be a recipe you want to clip and keep. It’s a simple and savory dish from one of South Florida’s beloved catering companies.

Yields 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:
•1/4 cup melted butter
•2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
•1/4 cup all-purpose flour
•1 small green bell pepper, diced
•1 medium onion, chopped
•2 cloves garlic, minced
•2 stalks celery, diced
•2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
•2 Tablespoons Hot sauce
•1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
•2 Tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
•1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
•1 cup fish stock
•1 pound medium shrimp, peeled & deveined
•1 pound crawfish tails (substitute for more shrimp if desired)

Melt the butter & oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Gradually stir in flour and stir constantly until the mixture turns dark brown for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Use a wire whisk to stir. This creates a base sauce or ‘Roux.’ Stir continually and o not burn the Roux.

Once the roux is browned, add the onions, garlic, celery and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for about five minutes to soften. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and fish stock, and season with Old Bay seasoning. Reduce about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Season the sauce with hot sauce and cayenne pepper (optional), and add the crawfish and shrimp. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and well cooked.

Serve over white or brown rice.

About Juanita’s Kitchen: Juanita’s Kitchen (JK) is one of South Florida’s premier catering and events companies with a resume including many governmental municipalities, corporations, and an impressive list of celebrities and high profile clientele. It is a trendy and upscale catering company that has been featured in Indulge Magazine for its world famous “Seven-Cheese Mac & Cheese Recipe” that has been passed down through four generations. JK is also the co-producer of the 2016 Miami Garden’s Wine & Food Experience and has received numerous awards for its services. It offers many flexible catering and events solutions from traditional to exotic or luxury with flawless execution. For more information, visit www.juanitaskitchenfoods.com.