Creole Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons Creole seafood seasoning (or more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (preferably hot)
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 imported bay leaves
• 1 1/4 cups chicken stock or canned broth
• 4 medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 scallions, chopped

Instructions

1. In a large cast iron skillet, melt butter over moderately high heat. Add the onions, bell pepper, celery and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened, but not browned.
2. Add the Creole seafood seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, bay leaves and chicken stock; bring to a boil and cook until slightly reduced and thickened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomatoes; cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes longer, until thick.
4. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt and scallions; reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.

Notes

This Creole Sauce will keep in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen.