MIRLITON AND SHRIMP CASSEROLE

Prep Time: 1 Hour
Yields: 6 Servings

Comment:
A favorite squash of Louisiana Bayou Country is the Chaote Squash, or Mirliton.  This recipe gives a different twist to a squash casserole by adding shellfish. 

Ingredients:
4 medium mirlitons
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsps crab boil (liquid)
¼ cup butter
½ cup diced onions
¼ cup diced celery
¼ cup diced red bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sliced green onions
½ cup chopped parsley
salt and black pepper to taste
granulated garlic to taste
½ cup bread crumbs

Method:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place mirlitons in a large pot and cover with salted water and crab boil. Bring to a boil and cook approximately 45 minutes or until tender. Drain mirlitons and discard water. Peel and cube the pulp then set aside. In a large heavy-bottomed skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, celery, bell pepper, minced garlic, green onions and parsley and sauté 3–5 minutes or until wilted. Add shrimp and cook 5–7 minutes or until pink and curled. Add mirliton pulp then season to taste with salt, pepper and granulated garlic, mixing well. Pour into a greased 9” x 13” casserole dish and sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before serving.