Alligator Sauce Piquante

This is a Cajun recipe which makes a thick stew which is traditionally served over rice.

3 pounds alligator meat*
Dollop of bottled steak sauce
1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 large onions, peeled and chopped
1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup chopped scallions
8 ribs celery, chopped
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 cup water
Salt (optional)
Hot cooked rice

Chop alligator meat into small strips; add a dollop of steak sauce, to coat. Heat some of the shortening in a large saucepot or Dutch oven; add alligator and brown. Remove meat; set aside.

Add remaining shortening and flour; mix well. add onion, green pepper, scallion and celery; saut� slowly until vegetables are tender. Add tomato sauce and tomato paste; mix well. Add cayenne pepper and water. Cover and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes.

Stir in reserved alligator meat. Cook 1 hour, or until meat is tender. Add salt to taste.

Serve over cooked rice.

NOTE: Any fowl or seafood can be used in place of the alligator meat.