SHRIMP STUFFED MIRLITONS (NOLA CUISINE)

Shrimp Stuffed Mirlitons (NOLa Cuisine) image

I LOVE CHAYOTES!!! So finding this creole recipe using chayotes was a welcome surprise. Mirlitons (chayotes) grow in abundance in southern Louisiana. This version is stuffed with shrimp and sounds absolutely delicious - can't wait to try them!

Provided by Jostlori

Time 1h30m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

2 large chayotes (mirlitons)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 link andouille sausage, finely diced (6-8 oz.)
1/2 large onion, finely diced
1 celery rib, finely diced
1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
1 teaspoon creole seasoning
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
1/2 lb small raw shrimp, peeled and chopped
1/2 loaf day old French bread, sliced and baked in a 300 degree oven until crispy, but not browned. Ground in a food Processor to m
1/2 cup green onion, thinly sliced
kosher salt, Black Pepper and Cayenne to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/8 cup parmesan cheese, grated
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons kosher salt

Steps:

Cut the Mirlitons in half lengthwise, remove the seeds.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, season with salt as you would pasta water. Add a few Bay leaves and a bundle of fresh Thyme. When the water comes to a boil add the mirliton halves, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until tender. Cool.
When the mirlitons are cool scoop out most of the pulp, leaving a shell about 1/2 inch thick. Dry the shells by patting with a paper towel. Reserve 1/2 of the the pulp and drain on paper towels, as they hold a lot of water. When dry, chop.
In a large cast iron skillet melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, when hot add the andouille. Cook stirring often until slightly browned.
Add the onion, celery and bell pepper and the creole seasoning, cook for 8- 10 minutes stirring often until the onions start to carmelize and the vegetables are soft.
Add the garlic, Mirliton flesh and Thyme, cook for 2 minutes more.
Add the shrimp and green onions and cook until the shrimp turn pink.
Add 1/2 Cup water (or Shrimp Stock if you have any on hand) and 1 Cup of the bread crumbs. Stir until the mixture comes together. More bread crumbs or water may be needed. The mixture should be thick, yet moist, and it should hold together. Season to taste with salt, pepper and cayenne.
In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the topping.
Divide the stuffing amongst the 4 mirliton shells and cover with the topping. Place into a 350 degrees oven until hot and the topping is golden brown. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1419.7, Fat 49.8, SaturatedFat 26.8, Cholesterol 252.2, Sodium 4277.7, Carbohydrate 186.2, Fiber 13.4, Sugar 16, Protein 59.5