Alligator Sauce Piquante

[Raine]

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; sauté 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.

 

[Piccolina]

Hi Raine,

Failing the availability of alligator, what meat would you suggest take the (poor) 'gator's place?

 

[amber]

I have that same problem! Maybe we could substitute crocodile?

 

[RajunCajun]

Chicken is a good substitute. In fact, most of the Cajun/Louisiana cookbooks that I have use chicken instead of alligator.

Paul

 

[licia]

I bet it is even better with chicken!! I'm not much for exotic meats.

 

[AllenOK]

Personally, to me anyway, gator tastes like frog. If you don't have frog legs, go with the chicken, and maybe a little shrimp.

 

[licia]

I prepared frog legs when my kids were small and they wouldn't eat them - said they looked like "barbie doll legs". I suppose I'm too conventional when it comes to some foods. I don't even eat crawfish and most people I know, do so.

 

[Piccolina]

I bet it is even better with chicken!! I'm not much for exotic meats.

Jokes about "it tastes like chicken" aside, that is a really handy tip, thanks Licia!

 

[AllenOK]

I prepared frog legs when my kids were small and they wouldn't eat them - said they looked like "barbie doll legs". I suppose I'm too conventional when it comes to some foods. I don't even eat crawfish and most people I know, do so.

Cut them into sections, so that they look like chicken drummies and wing sections. Bread and fry them, and serve 'em to the kiddies. See if the kiddos realize what they are eating.

 

[HeyRobi]

You know my Sister-in-Law makes a great Rabbit Sauce Piquante! Maybe try Rabbit if that is available where your at!