Tabasco classic - frog legs piquant

6 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2tablespoonsVegetable Oil
¼cupAll-Purpose Flour
3tablespoonsButter
1largeDiced Onion
1Celery Stalk, Diced
½Diced Green Pepper
3Cloves Garlic, Minced
6ouncesTomato Paste
16ouncesWhole Tomatoes, Drained, Chopped, Liquid Reserved
4cupsChicken Broth
1teaspoonTabasco Pepper Sauce
1teaspoonWorcestershire Sauce
½teaspoonFreshly Ground Black Pepper
20largesFrog Legs (3 Pounds)
Salt
Cayenne Pepper

Directions

The legs of the bullfrogs on Avery Island can be big as chicken Drumsticks, and are outstanding fare. Figure on two to three per person. If you can't get frog legs, simply substitute chicken or catfish.

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the oil and 2 tablespoons of the flour to make a roux, stirring constantly until it is light to medium brown, about 15 minutes. Stir in the butter.

Add the onion, celery, green pepper and garlic; saute for about 5 minutes, or until soft. Add the tomato paste, and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the tomatoes with the liquid, chicken broth, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce and black pepper.

Cover and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, dust the frog legs with the remaining 2 tablespoons flour, seasoned with a small amount of salt and cayenne pepper. Coat a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray or a small amount of oil, add the frog legs, and saute until lightly browned, about 3 minutes on each side. Add the legs to the sauce and simmer, covered, for an additional 15 minutes.

Serve over steamed rice.

NOTE: If using cut-up chicken, saute the pieces 5 to 10 minutes longer, until nearly cooked through, and simmer in the sauce for 25 minutes. If using catfish fillets, add directly to the sauce and simmer for 20 minutes.

From: The Tabasco Cookbook.