Ma Ma's Mirliton, Shrimp and Crabmeat Casserole

Name: Ma Ma's Mirliton, Shrimp and Crabmeat Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon unsalted butter; 7 pounds mirliton, peeled and cut into 1-inch thick slices or 1 (7 pound green pumpkin) *see note; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 11/4 cups finely chopped yellow onions; 1/3 cup finely chopped garlic; 2 1/2 teaspoons salt; 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper; 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 pound lump crabmeat, picked over for shells and cartilage; 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions; 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley; 1 pound Gruyere, or mozzarella, finely grated; *Cooks note: any type of bland squash can be substituted for the mirliton or green pumpkin in this recipe (merlitons, yellow squash, or zucchini) Long green Italian squashes would work great too. R…; *Cooks note: any type of bland squash can be substituted for the mirliton or green pumpkin in this recipe (merlitons, yellow squash, or zucchini) Long green Italian squashes would work great too. R…

Servings: persons

1 teaspoon unsalted butter
7 pounds mirliton, peeled and cut into 1-inch thick slices or 1 (7 pound green pumpkin) *see note
1/4 cup vegetable oil
11/4 cups finely chopped yellow onions
1/3 cup finely chopped garlic
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 pound lump crabmeat, picked over for shells and cartilage
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1 pound Gruyere, or mozzarella, finely grated
*Cooks note: any type of bland squash can be substituted for the mirliton or green pumpkin in this recipe (merlitons, yellow squash, or zucchini) Long green Italian squashes would work great too. Regular pumpkins can also be used (not the kind for pie, but the big, bland ones more often used for Jack o'lanterns). Butternut or acorn squash does not work with this recipe. The original recipe uses 1 (7 pound) green pumpkin.
*Cooks note: any type of bland squash can be substituted for the mirliton or green pumpkin in this recipe (merlitons, yellow squash, or zucchini) Long green Italian squashes would work great too. Regular pumpkins can also be used (not the kind for pie, but the big, bland ones more often used for Jack o'lanterns). Butternut or acorn squash does not work with this recipe. The original recipe uses 1 (7 pound) green pumpkin.

1
Place the mirlitons in a large pot and add enough water to come 1-inch up the sides of the pot.
2
Cover and bring to a boil.
3
Continue to cook over medium-high heat until the mirliton is very tender, about 40 to 45 minutes.
4
Strain in a large colander.
5
Using the back of the spoon, press on the pumpkin to release as much liquid as possible.
6
Discard any liquid.
7
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
8
Add the onion, and cook, stirring, until soft, about 4 minutes.
9
Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
10
Add the mirliton, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
11
Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the mirliton is very thick and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 30 to 40 minutes.
12
(Be careful near the end of the cooking time that the mirliton does not burn on the bottom of the pot.)
13
Preheat the oven broiler.
14
Add the shrimp, crabmeat, green onions, and parsley to the pumpkin mixture and gently stir to combine.
15
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
16
Transfer hot pumpkin mixture to the prepared dish and spread the grated cheese evenly over the top.
17
Broil until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
18
Serve immediately.

792

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, 7 pounds mirliton, peeled and cut into 1-inch thick slices or 1 (7 pound green pumpkin) *see note, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 11/4 cups finely chopped yellow onions, and more.

Yes, Ma Ma's Mirliton, Shrimp and Crabmeat Casserole falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!