Tag: tasso

Spicy Tasso and Corn Casserole

Fresh corn season continues to wind down here in Indiana. Time for my end-of-summer push to devour as much sweet corn as I can! And what better way to make corn than to add in some spicy Tasso ham and make a spicy Tasso and corn casserole! I so love Tasso ham. So tender, to tasty, and definitely so spicy. I made my own Tasso on my smoker, and it came out fantastic. It was so easy to make!

This creamy corn casserole is sweet and also spicy. I found the original recipe in Louisiana Cookin’, one of my favorite Louisiana-themed magazines. Not only is each issue full of great Creole and Cajun dishes, there are also articles about the food and happenings in the area.

Spicy Tasso and Corn Casserole

The original recipe for spicy tasso and corn casserole called for topping the casserole with crushed potato chips. I decided to skip that and just enjoy the great vegetables and spice in this dish. True, adding chips would definitely add a nice crunch. I bet crushed tortilla chips would be outstanding, so feel free to add them if you like! Either way it bakes up delicious!

8-Piece Deep Glass Baking Dish Set with Plastic lids,Rectangular Glass Bakeware Set with Lids, Baking Pans for Lasagna, Leftovers, Cooking, Kitchen, Freezer-to-Oven and Dishwasher, Gray
8-Piece Deep Glass Baking Dish Set with Plastic lids,Rectangular Glass Bakeware Set with Lids, Baking Pans for Lasagna, Leftovers, Cooking, Kitchen, Freezer-to-Oven and Dishwasher, Gray
Spicy Tasso and Corn Casserole
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3 from 2 votes

Spicy Tasso and Corn Casserole

This creamy corn casserole is sweet and also spicy.
Course Side
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword casserole, corn, spicy, tasso
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 193kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Louisiana Cookin’

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° F.
  • Spray a 9″ x 9″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the corn, pepper, green onion, and tasso and cook 5-8 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
  • Add the cream cheese and stir until it melts.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the Cajun seasoning, sour cream, parsley, salt, and cayenne pepper.
  • Spoon into the baking dish and bake 20 minutes.
  • Note: The original recipe called for sprinkling the casserole with crumbled potato chips (2 cups) before baking. I omitted that ingredient to keep the casserole a little lower in carbohydrates. Feel free to add the chips, or Panko breadcrumbs if you like.

Nutrition

Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 455mg | Potassium: 399mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1240IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale

Crispy Shrimp in Tasso Sauce

I have always enjoyed Tasso, but I admit I have never eaten it that often. It’s sometimes hard to find here in Indiana. But after making my own Tasso on my smoker, I have so fallen in love with the spicy Cajun ham. It’s normally used to flavor dishes. Like this one, which combines a simple cream sauce loaded with Tasso with one of my other favorites, crispy quick-fried Louisiana shrimp, all served over fettuccine.

Crispy Shrimp in Tasso Sauce

Although Tasso by itself is a bit spicy, it really is a fantastic addition to the cream sauce, where it is tamed down, but can definitely still be tasted. You can’t beat the flavors in this crispy shrimp in Tasso sauce. I use this same cream sauce over biscuits for a twist on the traditional biscuits-and-gravy.

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans

If you can’t find Tasso, you can substitute good smoked ham.

Crispy Shrimp in Tasso Sauce
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3 from 2 votes

Crispy Shrimp in Tasso Sauce

Although Tasso by itself is a bit spicy, it really is a fantastic addition to the cream sauce, where it is tamed down, but can definitely still be tasted.
Course American
Cuisine Main
Keyword crispy, ham, shrimp
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 794kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the shrimp

  • 1 ½ pounds shrimp large, shelled, deveined
  • kosher salt freshly ground pepper and all-purpose flour
  • olive oil

For the Tasso sauce

For the pasta

Instructions

For the shrimp

  • Place the shrimp into a large bowl. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
  • Start adding flour. Toss the shrimp. Keep adding flour a little at a time until the shrimp no longer stick together.
  • Pour enough oil into a large skillet to lightly coat the bottom. Heat over medium-high heat.
  • Add the shrimp. Arrange in the skillet without overlapping. If you have to, work in batches.
  • Cook the shrimp about 2 minutes per side until they are pink and the coating has started to crust. Flip and cook the other side until pink and the coating crusts. Remove to a plate.

For the Tasso sauce

  • Melt the butter in a large sauce pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the Tasso. Saute until the Tasso starts to brown.
  • Stir in the flour and continue stirring for two minutes.
  • Add the half and half. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened.
  • Add the salt, lemon juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.
  • Stir in the creme fraiche.

For the pasta

  • Cook according to package instructions.

Bringing it all together

  • After draining the pasta, return it to the pot you cooked it in.
  • Add in the Tasso cream sauce and toss to coat.
  • Serve pasta on plates, topped with the crispy shrimp and garnished with parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 794kcal | Carbohydrates: 92g | Protein: 56g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 487mg | Sodium: 1626mg | Potassium: 572mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 496IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 370mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale

Biscuits and Tasso Gravy

Quick-and-easy biscuits and gravy is a common meal in our household. A tube of biscuits, a roll of sausage, a little flour, salt and pepper, and milk and 15 minutes later you’ve got breakfast. Well, this biscuits and Tasso gravy isn’t that version of biscuits and gravy. This is beyond that. Way, way, way beyond it. Gravy made with spicy Tasso is amazing. Spicy, complex, melt-in-your-mouth Tasso just makes a world of difference.

Biscuits and Tasso Gravy

The original recipe for biscuits and Tasso gravy calls for using creme fraiche, which I could not find the day I went to the market. I ended up substituting sour cream, which has a different texture and slightly different taste, but the end result was still fantastic.

I made the gravy in my cast iron skillet. I think gravy is always better out of cast iron.

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans

I made the Tasso on my Weber Smokey Mountain smoker. It takes a few days to prepare, but oh is it ever worth the time.

Biscuits and Tasso Gravy
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5 from 1 vote

Biscuits and Tasso Gravy

Gravy made with spicy Tasso is amazing. Spicy, complex, melt-in-your-mouth Tasso just makes a world of difference.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword biscuits, gravy, tasso
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 409kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Nola Cuisine

Ingredients

For the gravy

For the biscuits

  • 1 tube biscuits

Instructions

For the gravy

  • Melt the butter in a large sauce pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the Tasso. Saute until the Tasso starts to brown.
  • Stir in the flour and continue stirring for two minutes.
  • Add the half and half. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened.
  • Add the salt, lemon juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.
  • Stir in the creme fraiche and serve over biscuits.

For the biscuits

  • Bake the biscuits per package instructions.

Nutrition

Calories: 409kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 118mg | Sodium: 603mg | Potassium: 373mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 994IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 201mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale

Louisiana Burgers

These Louisiana burgers are absolutely incredible. They are the best burgers I’ve ever had. Wonderful grilled seasoned beef, kick’n pepper jack cheese, remoulade, crunchy red onion and my favorite, spicy homemade Tasso that just melts in your mouth. All on homemade buns.

Louisiana Burgers

Every bite is fully of fantastic flavor.

I could’ve used some Kaw-Cajun Comeback sauce on these burgers, but I went with a bottle of Louisiana Fish Fry Product’s remoulade sauce instead. It has a nice zesty taste that is also great on po boy sandwiches. You can find it in your grocer’s southern foods section.

Weber Original Burger Press, Black
Weber Original Burger Press, Black

If you love big flavors, you’ll love these burgers. Also try my spicy bacon burgers.

Louisiana Burgers
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Louisiana Burgers

These Louisiana burgers are absolutely incredible. They are the best burgers I’ve ever had.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword burgers
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 725kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Bobby Flay

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill.
  • Combine the spices and mix into the meat in a large bowl.
  • Form the meat into 4 patties.
  • Grill the burgers as desired.
  • Toast the buns.
  • Slather the buns with the remoulade sauce. Top with the burgers, Tasso, red onion, and cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 725kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 158mg | Sodium: 1719mg | Potassium: 616mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 443IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 436mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cuisinart CSBP-100 3-in-1 Stuffed Burger Press, Black
Cuisinart CSBP-100 3-in-1 Stuffed Burger Press, Black
Weber Original Burger Press, Black
Weber Original Burger Press, Black
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Grillaholics Stuffed Burger Press and Recipe eBook – Extended Warranty – Hamburger Patty Maker for Grilling – BBQ Grill Accessories

Homemade Tasso Ham

I love all foods Creole and Cajun. I love making jambalaya, étouffée, gumbo, and dirty rice. To really make authentic, unbelievably tasty dishes I like to add homemade tasso ham. Sometimes it’s hard to find tasso ham here in Indianapolis, so I set out to make my own and I couldn’t be happier with the results.

Homemade Tasso Ham

Not only tender, spicy and tasty, but incredibly easy to make too, the homemade tasso ham was a success. All you need is a pork butt or shoulder, a few spices, and a smoker.

The process…

Homemade tasso ham takes 3-4 days to age before smoking. I started out with an 8 pound bone-in pork shoulder. Ideally you’ll want a smaller, boneless pork butt, but that day in the market a shoulder was all I could find. Cutting the shoulder into “steaks”, each about 1″ thick, I kept the bone section and smoked it at the same time I smoked the homemade tasso ham. The bone-in section will be great in a pot of beans at a later time.

The meat is generously covered in a cure and placed on a rack in the fridge for 3 hours. It lost a LOT of moisture during this process.

Homemade Tasso Ham

Curing…

Next, I rinsed off the cure and patted the meat dry. Onto a rack and back into the fridge for 3-4 days. The meat will firm up during this time.

Homemade Tasso HamOnto the smoker…

The last day, I sprinkled the meat with rub and put it onto a 250 F smoker over hickory for about 3 hours until the internal temperature reached 170 F. I removed it, rested it, and then sliced it thick for later use in jambalaya, beans, etc.

Homemade Tasso Ham

Yummy results

The end result is a spicy, almost-hammy meat that is absolutely fantastic. Although you could eat it by itself, homemade tasso ham is primarily used for flavoring dishes.

Weber Pecan Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Weber Pecan Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Weber Apple Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Weber Apple Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Weber Cherry Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Weber Cherry Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.

This homemade tasso ham is fantastic in my crispy shrimp in tasso sauce and spicy corn and tasso casserole.

Also try my smoked shanks and homemade Canadian bacon.

Homemade Tasso Ham
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Homemade Tasso

Not only tender, spicy and tasty, but incredibly easy to make too, the homemade tasso ham was a success. All you need is a pork butt or shoulder, a few spices, and a smoker.
Course Main
Cuisine Creole
Keyword homemade, tasso
Prep Time 3 days 3 hours
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 days 5 hours 30 minutes
Servings 2 pounds
Calories 1617kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 1 4 pound boneless pork shoulder or butt

For the cure

For the rub

Instructions

  • Slice the butt into 1″ thick “steaks”, each about a pound or so
  • Combine all cure ingredients and rub generously over the pork.
  • Place onto a wire rack over a baking pan and refrigerate for 3 hours.
  • Rinse cure off the meat and pat dry.
  • Return meat to rack in the fridge and let it age for 3 days.
  • Fire up a smoker for 250 F cooking. Use hickory or a lighter wood for smoking.
  • Combine the rub ingredients and spread gently over the meat.
  • Smoke for 2 1/2 – 3 hours or until the meat reaches 170 F internally.
  • Foil and let rest for 30 minutes before slicing thick.

Nutrition

Calories: 1617kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 257g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 680mg | Sodium: 58376mg | Potassium: 4549mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 2264IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 189mg | Iron: 12mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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D.Q. Curing Salts – Pink Salt – 1 bag, 1 lb
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Chef’sChoice 1520 Professional Electric Knife Sharpener for 20- and 15-Degree Straight-Edge and Serrated Knives, 3 Stage, White
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Jolly Green Products Ekogrips Premium Heat-Resistant BBQ Gloves for Cooking and Meat Handling, Kitchen Oven Gloves, Fireplace Accessory, Campfire Gloves, BBQ Mitt, Dishwashing Gloves (Orange, L/XL)

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