Tomorrow, in New Orleans, begins the 2 weekend experience known as The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival or Jazz Fest. While music is the main focus, the food served is not far behind. When you think of food at Jazz Fest, this is probably the first dish you think of. Crawfish Monica was created by Chef Pierre Hilzim. Named for his wife Monica, Chef Pierre built the Kajun Kettle Foods company around this dish.
1 pound Rotini pasta
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
6 tablespoons Butter
1 cup chopped Yellow Onions
2 tablespoons minced Garlic
2 teaspoons Creole Seasoning Blend
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne
1/4 cup dry White Wine
2 cups Heavy Cream
1 tablespoon fresh Lemon Juice
1 pound Crawfish Tails
1/2 cup chopped Green Onions
1/2 cup chopped fresh Parsley
1 cup grated Parmesan
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid. Return to the pot and toss with the olive oil and reserved cooking liquid. Cover to keep warm.
In a large sauté pan or skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, Creole Seasoning, salt, and cayenne, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the white wine and cook over high heat until nearly all evaporated. Add the cream lemon juice and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced. Add the crawfish tails and cook, stirring, to warm through. Add the onions and parsley and cook for 1 minute. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook until the pasta is warmed through, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and add 1/2 cup of the cheese.
Turn out into a serving bowl and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Serve.
Ejnoy!!!
