Gator Chowder Recipes

FRIED ALLIGATOR WITH A GARLIC AIOLI DIPPING SAUCE; MEDITERRANEAN ALLIGATOR WITH A TOMATO AND CAPER SAUCE; ALLIGATOR PICATTA

Steps:

• Combine equal parts of plain bread crumbs and flour in a small bowl. Dip the alligator meat in the flour mixture and set the pieces aside. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the alligator meat to the hot oil and pan-fry until all sides are evenly browned. When the alligator is cooked through, remove the meat with tongs, and drain the excess oil on a paper towel-lined plate. Immediately add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Before serving, squeeze the juice of 1 lemon on top of the fried alligator.
• In a food processor, pulse the garlic, green onion, and white onion until minced and thoroughly combined. Add the egg yolks and lemon juice, and pulse again until blended. Slowly drizzle the oil into through the feeding tube of the processor until the sauce emulsifies. When the sauce is thickened, add salt, pepper, and a couple drops of hot pepper sauce, to taste. Serve as a dipping sauce for the Fried Alligator.
• Combine the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the onion and shallot to the pan, and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic, and then add the alligator meat. Saute the alligator for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the meat begins to brown, flipping the meat when the first side begins browning. Add the tomatoes, parsley, lemon juice, and olives to the pan. Bring to a simmer, and then lower heat to maintain a simmer for 35 to 40 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
• Pound the alligator with a meat mallet to tenderize. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and then add the olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the shallot, and saute for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon so that it doesn't burn. Add the alligator meat to the pan, and saute for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the alligator browns slightly. Add chicken stock and flour, and then cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Lower the heat to medium-low, and add the capers and lemon juice, and then simmer for 15 minutes. Add butter, as needed, to thicken the sauce. Garnish the plate with lemon wedges.

GATOR CHOWDER

Steps:

• In large sauce pan, grease and butter on medium.
• Add potatoes and celery.
• Cook about 3 minutes.
• Add all remaining veggies, including garlic.
• Cook 3 minutes.
• Add seasonings and flour.
• Cook for about 3 minutes (do not cook on high-butter and grease will turn brown).
• Keep at Medium.
• Add wine, water, and lobster base.
• Cook 3 more minutes.
• Add alligator meat.
• Cook for 5 minutes only.
• Do not overcook.

IVEY HOUSE GATOR CHOWDER

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, heat the bacon grease and butter over medium heat. Add the potatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Add all remaining vegetables, then cook for an additional 3 minutes. Add the seasonings and flour. Cook for 3 additional minutes. Do not brown ¿ leave blond. Add the port wine, water, and seafood base. Cook until the mixture thickens. Add the tomato sauce, and cook for 3 more minutes. Add the alligator meat. Cook for 5 more minutes ¿ do not overcook the gator. Adjust seasoning, to taste. Serve in large soup bowls.

SHRIMP CHOWDER

Steps:

• In a small skillet, saute onion in butter until tender. In a 5-qt. slow cooker, combine the onion, milk, soups, corn, Creole seasoning and garlic powder. , Cover and cook on low for 3 hours. Stir in shrimp and cream cheese. Cook 30 minutes longer or until shrimp are heated through and cheese is melted. Stir to blend.