Cooking on the Edge: Gator n’ tater stew

– Posted on March 8, 2013Posted in: Lifestyle
By Jesse O. Walls
Managing Editor

Gator 'n Tater Stew

Looking for something a little different?  Something a little exotic and spicy?  If so, this month’s recipe is perfect for you.  Cajun food is known for its delectable taste and spice, and nothing can get more Cajun than gator.  A unique twist to what would be just an ordinary stew, gator makes a daring and bold addition to any meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. alligator tail meat
  • ½ cup Caribbean jerk marinade
  • 4-6 medium red skinned potatoes, halved and quartered
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp. Cajun seasoning
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 2 celery ribs, sliced
  • 1 cup red onion, sliced
  • 1 cup sweet red pepper
  • 1 cup green bell pepper

Directions

  1. In a large resealable freezer bag, pour marinade over gator meat and coat thoroughly.  Refrigerate for 30 min., turning once.  (For a stronger flavor, refrigerate longer.)
  2. Place potatoes, celery and tomatoes in a 4-5 qt. slow cooker.  In a small bowl, mix flour and Cajun seasoning, add to gator meat and coat well.  Pour gator meat and marinade over veggies.
  3. Cover, cook on low for 7-8 hours.
  4. Add onion and peppers and stir in.  Cover and let cook 15-30 minutes longer, or until vegetables are tender.
  5. Serve over dirty rice.

 

Here are just a few suggested sides from some of my favorite websites that complement my gator ‘n tater stew rather well.

Dirty Rice @ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/dirty-rice-recipe/index.html

Southern Buttermilk Biscuits @ http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Southern-Buttermilk-Biscuits

 

Alligator meat can be found online at retailers such as lacrawfish.com or lintonseafood.com, or locally at Food-4-Less, and if you want something a little less daring, regular stew meat can be used in place of the gator to make a beef stew with a kick.  For those who wish to add a little more spice to their meal, replace the can of diced tomatoes with a can that includes habaneros instead of green chilies.

So if you’re looking to add a little spice to your dinner, look no further than gator ‘n tater stew.  This meal is sure to please even the wildest of appetites.  Bon appétit.