Confetti Corn Bread–Crusted Prawns in Creole Filling

Ingredients for Confetti Corn Bread–Crusted Prawns in Creole Filling

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced

• 1/2 green pepper, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning

• 2 tablespoons flour

• One 400g can diced tomatoes

• 120ml tomato sauce

• 240ml chicken broth

• 1 bay leaf

• 230g bay prawns

• 110g (1 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature

• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

• 2 eggs at room temperature

• 40g peeled and diced mild green chillies, fresh or canned (drained)

• 120ml corn kernels

• 120ml canned cream-style corn

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red pepper

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped green pepper

• 60g plain flour

• 60g yellow cornmeal

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoons salt

To prepare the filling, melt the butter in a large sauté pan or skillet over high heat. Add the onion, celery, and green peppers. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and Creole seasoning, and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly, about 2 minutes, until slightly thickened. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Stir and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for 5 minutes. Add the prawns and heat through, about 2 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and pour the filling into an 8-by-8-inch square or round baking dish. Set aside in a warm area, while preparing the topping.

To prepare the topping, preheat the oven to 191°C. Put the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Whip on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Incorporate the eggs one at a time and mix until smooth. Add the green chillies, creamed corn, red and green peppers, the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until the mixture forms a soft batter.

Carefully dollop the corn bread batter over the filling. Using an offset metal spatula, spread the batter smoothly across the top of the casserole, forming a thin layer. Place the baking dish on a baking sheet in the centre of the oven. Bake until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges, about 40 minutes. Remove from the oven to a cooling rack. Cut through the corn bread with a small knife. Scoop 6 to 8 generous portions of the filling and the corn bread into large soup bowls or onto plates.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.