CLASSIC N'AWLINS SHRIMP BOIL

Classic N'Awlins Shrimp Boil image

Yield makes 8 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 small bags "crab boil," or 4 bay leaves
1 teaspoon whole allspice
10 whole cloves
8 sprigs fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried
2 tablespoons coriander seeds
2 tablespoons mustard seeds
1 teaspoon celery seeds
1 tablespoon salt
2 lemons, cut in half
1 tablespoon cayenne, or as much as you can stand
2 garlic bulbs, cut in half horizontally
1 onion, quartered
1 pound small potatoes, such as red bliss or Yukon gold
1 pound andouille sausage, sliced into 8 pieces
2 pounds medium or large whole fresh shrimp

Steps:

If you're not using the commercial crab boil, wrap the seasonings in cheesecloth and use kitchen twine to secure the bundle. Place the spices, 1 gallon water, salt, lemons, cayenne, garlic, onion, and potatoes in a large pot (squeeze the lemons over the water as you throw them in), and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer at least 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are just about cooked through. Return the heat to boiling and add the sausage and shrimp. Cook for 5-7 more minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through (they will turn bright pink).
Drain the pot carefully, to serve hot or at room temperature. Remove the cheesecloth bag and lemons, if desired, and then serve the shrimp, garlic, sausage, and potatoes in a large bowl, or just dump them out on a table covered with newspaper and get peeling! If you are using the shrimp for salad or another recipe, cool it completely, then peel and refrigerate until ready to use.