louisiana turtle recipes louisiana turtle recipes

Though native to the Southeastern United States, populations of these turtles have been found in many other areas including countries in Europe and Asia. Like other Painted turtles subspecies, the Southern variety likes a well rounded diet. Try our $10 Trial Subscription (3 issues). #8. Mock Turtle Soup . There have been reports of several softshell turtles ganging together to take down waterfowl. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepot over high heat, melt the butter and brown the turtle pieces, about 10 to 12 minutes. Softshell turtles have long necks, and long, pointed snouts to help them reach the surface of the water without moving. You have entered an incorrect email address! Soup Recipes. Melt 2 sticks of butter in a heavy saucepan. Razor-backed Musk turtles are mainly an aquatic turtle species common across much of Louisiana. Their scutes are ridged and patterned with concentric rings, giving the carapace a sculpted appearance. snapper turtle, cleaned, rinsed and medium diced, all-purpose flour, butter, red wine, chopped celery, chopped onion, chopped carrot, minced garlic, beef stock, water . Have a cast iron pot on med/high heat with a little oil and begin to brown. In a Louisiana study turtles were found in the stomachs of 79.82% of all alligator snapping turtles. Pour into a serving dish, and garnish with green onion, if desired. They range through grasslands and prairies that dont always have access to water. They are usually dark brown in color. These little turtles have shells that range from brown to tan and sport dark spots. 99. Remove the meat from pot. Ouachita Map turtles can be distinguished from other Map turtles by the large yellow spots on the sides of their heads. In fact, it was considered a subspecies of the Ouachita Map Turtle until very recently! False Map turtles and other species of map turtles have light colored swirls and stripes that resemble map markings, hence their name. Ornate box turtles are classified as threatened in Louisiana. 8. The plastron of these turtles is yellow. Their shells and heads have beautiful yellowish markings, while their plastrons are also yellow. From Cajun and Creole recipes to the classic New Orleans recipes, you'll find the perfect dish to make your dinner guests swoon. Place a small amount of oil in a Dutch oven or large pot. shakes, smoothies, milk, coffee, juice, water and chocolate milk, shakes, smoothies, frapp's, milk, coffee, juice and water, 6" Low Fat Sandwiches with 6 Grams of Fat or Less, Cookie Sandwiches (Non-CA locations only). They have a greyish green carapace and pale yellow bottom. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. These turtles have a small head with a yellow or orange dot behind each eye. Quick view Add to Cart. Cook until the vegetables are transparent. Reduce heat to medium. About; Locations. These characteristics help them to crack open their favorite foods. Misssissippi Map turtles have dark shells, often brown or black and have contour-like yellow markings. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, until the meat is tender, 2-2 12 hours. Add the roux and cook over low heat, stirring, until the soup is smooth and thickened. Dredge the turtle in flour. Strain;. As their name suggests, these turtles are found mainly in areas around the Pearl River. Stir bacon, carrots, potatoes, onions, tomatoes and spices into stew pot and bring to a boil. Though these turtles are very skittish, you may see them sharing basking sites with other species. Add the flour and cook, stirring frequently, over medium heat until the roux is light brown. Juveniles are much more colorful as the adult colorations fade and darken with age. From fish, crayfish, mollusks, insects, tadpoles, and an abundance of vegetation. In a 5-quart saucepan, melt the remaining butter. They also have dark green, brown, or black skin with yellowish stripes. Turn dough onto a floured surface and roll out to 1/4-inch thickness. The Mississippi Diamondback Terrapin is an aquatic species that favors brackish waters along southern coasts. 1 / 36 Get this recipe! The recipes below are from two of the towns late, old time turtle experts. In a 5-quart saucepan, melt the remaining butter. When looking for a place to stay, River Cooters look for plenty of basking spots as this is a beloved pastime. Snapping turtles are habitat generalists and will inhabit most types of water. Ingredients 4 tablespoons butter, divided 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 pounds turtle meat, patted dry and cut into -inch cubes, divided 1 teaspoon salt, divided 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided 2 red onions, chopped 3 stalks celery, chopped 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 6 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon tomato paste Their skin ranges from yellow to brown, and they have a small light colored plastron. September 21, 2011, 10:55 AM. Chicken turtles are a semi-aquatic species that have long, striped necks and oval shaped shells. T-Nom was a professional catfisherman, but every spring, when loggerhead turtles started stirring, his thoughts turned to turtles. Not only do they eat mushrooms but they will also eat cacti, fruits, insects, worms, and anything else edible. Three-toed Box turtles have high domed carapaces which are usually brown or olive in color. Turtle sauce piquants are especially favored in Des Allemands, Mark and Noochs hometown. Frogs May be harvested using any visible light and mechanical devices known as frog catchers or with devices that puncture the skin (gigs or spears). If you have turtle eggs, throw them in the last 15 minutes before you kill the fire. They mainly eat insects, but also mollusks and crayfish. Continue to cook on a med/low - med heat (not boiling) until turtle is tender. It's also the rarest, and, . Eastern Musk turtles have dark, unmarked shells that are usually covered in mud and/or algae. You dont have to be in Louisiana to eat turtles. HUMOR, STORIES & POEMS. Throw in some spices, extra pepper, and smoky sausage, and you'll have such a hearty and colorful dinner. Common Snappers are smaller than Alligator snappers, but still large, sometimes reaching up to 20 inches long and weighing 40 pounds on average. Hunters take these shells and turn them into frivolous trinkets such as glasses rims, hair accessories, lamps, and other such items. Of course Jambalaya, Po-Boys and sweet Beignets are obvious choices but another traditional favorite is the hearty and delicious soups. Farms in Louisiana that sell turtles domestically or internationally must meet certain sanitary conditions, and they are required to treat turtle eggs with a surface disinfectant wash followed by a treatment with a bactericidal solution delivered through the egg pores via a pressure-differential process. Toss in the pecans, and fold in. Make a brown roux of the fat and flour. These turtles rarely travel far from the water, and like to bask on outcrops over the water surface. These include Green Sea turtles, Hawksbill Sea turtles, Leatherback and Loggerhead sea turtles, and Kemp's Ridley sea turtles. If youre truly lucky you might be able to spot nesting sea turtles along some of the sandy beaches. Serve over rice. While it is illegal in many states to own one, here are some facts about the Gopher tortoise. Great for making homemade Louisiana style turtle soup, a Commander's Palace specialty. Slowly whisk in flour to make a "roux." Return the turtle meat to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. They also need plenty of aquatic vegetation as they are mostly herbivorous. Stir constantly. One species of tortoise is also native to Louisiana; the Gopher tortoise. You can apply for and adopt one from special tortoise rescue facilities if you are truly interested in owning one of these land dwelling turtles. There are 20 different types of turtles in Louisiana that are native to the state. When threatened, the Eastern Mud turtle will pull itself into the shell, but it may also bite, for these turtles are aggressive. Loggerhead Musk turtles are mostly nocturnal. If youre lucky, maybe you could see them during this amazing process! Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and saut until wilted in the brownings. Add the chefs seasonings, mushrooms, olives and garlic powder. The Eastern Box turtle lives among forest floors and other areas with plenty of damp soil. While not great swimmers, these turtles prefer slower moving waterways with plenty of vegetation. Eastern Spiny Softshells (Apalone Spinifera Spinifera) inhabit northern counties, while the Gulf Coast Spiny Softshell (Apalone Spinifera Aspera) is found in the southeast. Add garlic and cook until fragrant around 3 minutes. While its rare, these turtles may be seen off the coast of Louisiana while they are migrating. Add celery, green onions, peppers, wine and seasoning. Crockpot Recipes. Heat the pot. Cut into 2 1/2 -inch squares and allow dough to dry on floured board, 10-12 minutes before frying. Food is not a problem for these turtles as they will eat nearly anything thats edible. The couple raised 12 children on the banks of Bayou Des Allemands, including seven sons, who all, at one time or another, were commercial fishermen. In this collection, you'll find flavors and disheslike Creole, Cajun and Southern farethat made the Pelican State famous. The plastron on the Eastern River Cooter is pale tan or yellowish and can have a midline pattern. . These beautiful turtles are named for their markings. There are also five species of sea turtles that visit the coastal areas of Louisiana. Their dark skin sports yellow to orange markings. hehehehehe. These mighty turtles are aquatic and live in deep waters like lakes or rivers. These tortoises prefer scrublands and dry prairies where the soil is easy to dig. Southern Painted turtles are mainly seen in slow-moving waters as well as the floodplains surrounding Louisianas main rivers. Mock Turtle Soup Save Recipe Print Yields: 6-8 servings Ingredients cup unsalted butter 6 celery stalks, chopped 1 cup chopped yellow onion 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 pounds . These range from Box turtles, Cooters, snapping turtles and even Diamondback terrapins. Cover and cook over medium high heat for approximately 30 minutes. They do not bask often, preferring to remain in the water. Clarence was known far and wide as a turtle man, and he always had live turtles in holding cars in the bayou. Store Locator; Recipes. I cleaned it the best I could figuer outhow but now have o idea how to cook it. Mainly a freshwater species, Southern Painted turtles stay near the water and like to bask. 504-522-7273. Add about 1/4 cup of water and scratch the bottom of the pot to get all the browning that is stuck off the bottom of the pot (do this while turtle is still in the pot). This will be a great recipe and works great for soft shell, yellow bellies and alligator/black turtles. The plastron on these turtles is very minimal, usually white, and cross shaped. Muted cream or yellow plastrons and undersides. The Best Turtle Food for a Healthy Pet. The big distinguishing characteristic is the red, oval-shaped marking behind their eyes that resembles ears. While some people dont mind this, most predators find they cant stomach the stink and find more pleasing things to eat. Add turtle meat and add enough boiling salted water to cover the meat. Heat candy for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until melted. Flippers also have claws at their elbows. Possession of firearms while taking or hunting frogs at night is prohibited. This subspecies of Map turtle is mostly carnivorous; they feed on mollusks, clams, and insects. Painted turtles are omnivorous and mainly eat mollusks, frogs, and underwater invertebrates. The Mississippi Diamond-backed Terrapin is an aquatic species favoring coastal counties of Louisiana. cans of sliced mushrooms 1 7-oz. Bring to a boil and skim the scum that floats to the top. They usually bury themselves in sand in the shallows, and sleep like this at night. They like shallow, slow-moving waters, especially swamps, tidal marshes, or bogs. Three subspecies of Spiny Softshell are native to Louisiana. Lightly brown it in oil and set it aside. The species is under threat due to water pollution, and are an endangered species. Add onions, garlic, tomato paste, and tomatoes. There was a report of a few people eating a Three Toed Box turtle, then subsequently becoming sick. There we have it. Remove meat and save broth. Remove from juice and wash in cool water, debone it, cut into pieces and set aside. Preheat air fryer to 360. 2 lb. New Orleans food delivered to your door. Olive to black skin is complemented by yellow stripes that run along the head, neck, limbs, and tail. Whenever they feel threatened, they will quickly slide back into the water. . These range from Box turtles, Cooters, Snapping turtles, Diamondback Terrapins as well as an endangered tortoise. Using a large cast iron dutch oven, cover the bottom with oil. These beautiful little turtles have prominent, black-tipped ridges running down the spine of their brown to olive shells. These turtles have a long neck and netted patterns on their carapace. Alligator Meat 1 lb $22.99. Make a roux with the cooking oil and flour in a heavy pot, preferably cast iron. The Pearl River Map turtle is a rare subspecies of Map turtle, seen only in Louisiana and Mississippi. office 504.208.9959,New Orleans, Louisiana jar of stuffed green olives, drained and chopped 2 tbsp garlic powder 1. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until vegetables are done. Louisiana is blessed with thirty species of turtles, tortoises and terrapins. After that, add a can of golden mushroom, i can of rotel in the pot as well as well as sausage (i forgot to mention that this needs to be browned as well) and mix well. In highly oxygenated waters, these turtles can absorb oxygen through their skin like amphibians. They can sometimes be seen basking on rocks or logs at the edge of the water, but are notoriously difficult to capture. Their heads are usually a darker color, with yellow band markings and red patches just behind their eyes. They can be aggressive and will often hiss and bite. Cut into chunks across grain. At night they search for freshwater clams, thick snails, and crustaceans. Green Sea turtles stay near busy reefs so they can feed on algae and sea grasses. All rights reserved. These turtles tend to inhabit the Sabine river and tributaries along the Louisiana and Texas border. Alligator Snapping turtles are the largest freshwater species in Louisiana and are instantly recognizable. Brown turtle pieces slowly in bacon grease over medium heat.Add 4 cups beef broth and bring to boil. They dont travel far from water because they are slow moving and prefer the safety of their pond. They begin nesting in April and continue on until September. Their omnivorous diet consists of small fish, aquatic invertebrates, and underwater vegetation. Cooking . An ode to down home Southern . There they hibernate until the temperatures warm up and they emerge. Add turtle meat and lightly brown on all sides. Their skin feel like sandpaper, and they have long, tapered beaks. Copyright 1999 - 2023 Louisiana Sportsman, Inc. All rights reserved. They also have nubs and fleshy spikes on their shells. They prefer faster moving waters with plenty of aquatic vegetation and muddy, sandy, or rocky bottoms. He hauled up the trap to the clatter of shells, as the turtles in it scuttled over each other. As their name suggests, they have three toes on their hind legs. Weve also taken a quick look at the Gopher tortoise, a vulnerable terrestrial species native to Louisiana. german chocolate cake mix, butter or 3/4 cup margarine, melted, evaporated milk, divided, chopped pecans, semi-sweet chocolate chips, cookies, vegetable oil, butter, white sugar and. They prefer moving water such as rivers. They still have a hinged plastron (lower shell) and can withdraw completely for protection, but they are usually a drab brown color. While turtle meat is often carried at well-stocked markets in Louisiana, it can be scarce elsewhere. Their diet often consists of freshwater mussels, clams, and the introduced Asiatic clam. Serves 15. This is what gives them their name. An exhaustive list of all the turtles you may find in and around Louisiana. Though they will bask more often than other musk turtles, they dont leave the water for much else. The Three Toed Box turtle is the least decorated of North American Box turtles. Though you may never see them because they are reclusive and will drop into the water when disturbed. This species of Map turtle has a black line on the carapace that runs unbroken from front to back. Cooker Recipes. Remove meat from bones. Red Eared Sliders dont usually have trouble finding food. onions, chopped well1 bell pepper, chopped1 clove garlic, finely choppedJuice of 1/2 lemon1/2 cup fresh parsleySalt and pepper1 tsphomemade Worcestershire sauceWash and drain turtle meat. turtle meat Cooking oil 2 14-oz. cookies, vegetable oil, butter, white sugar, powdered sugar, eggs, flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, vanilla extract, ritz crackers (or any buttery round cracker) and. Their skin is grey to black with white spots. Add cayenne, celery salt, bay leaves, and remaining teaspoon salt and teaspoon pepper. The recipe makes like 6 gallons. Kemp's ridley sea turtle, world's smallest sea turtle species, discovered in Chandeleur Islands off coast of New Orleans Skip to main content Skip to navigation Print subscriptions Uncover and stir the chocolate mixture until evenly combined. Smooth Softshell turtles are found mainly in northern areas of Louisiana. They also have relatively strong claws and long tails that sport saw-toothed ridges. When they hunt together the turtles use their sharp claws and beaks to tear pieces off the birds and eat them. Louisiana Recipes. Their eyes are bright light blue to white with a dark line running horizontally across. Drain and set aside. Affectionately called Stinkpots by owners, they can release a malodorous stench from their musk glands. 2 14-oz. Their bodies have light colored speckles on their skin. Their brown or grey skin is usually covered in black dots, while the carapace has black streaks. Southern Painted turtles are almost half the size of full grown Eastern Paints. cake, food cake mix, buttermilk, canola oil, eggs. They are primarily carnivorous, although they do sometimes eat certain algae. Let cook on a low/med heat until it is mixed well (approx 10 minutes) and then add water to continue the gravy. All of these species are endangered. 1. It is almost identical in looks and behavior but has a much smaller range. French Quarter: 613 Royal. TURTLE STEW RECIPE 1/4 lb chopped bacon meat of two turtles, cut into bite-sized pieces 1/2 c. flour 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 4 cups beef broth 2 carrots, sliced 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 medium onions, chopped 28 oz can diced tomatoes 2 tsp thyme 1 tsp marjoram salt and pepper to taste Taste stew, adjust seasonings as desired. They use their long necks to hunt and catch swift moving prey. There are 24 different types of turtles in Louisiana as well as 5 species of sea turtles that can be seen off the coastal water. They wont share a habitat with large predatory fish or alligators. This includes other species of turtle! Posted on Published: February 9, 2021- Last updated: November 14, 2021. Spiny Softshell turtles are mainly carnivorous. They are active during the day and like to bask. Quick . There have been some instances of Snappers eating small waterbirds if they get close enough. Remove the turtle from pan and allow to cool . The Best Recipes from Louisiana Katie Bandurski Updated: Dec. 13, 2022 We found the best Louisiana recipes, all shared by local home cooks. See our Diamondback Terrapin care sheet for more. Snapping turtle meat can be delicious if the turtles are cleaned properly and making sure the meat is tenderized. Limbs are solid colored, while the head tends to have lighter colored stripes. They sometimes bury themselves in the sand or mud and wait for prey to come near. 1 4-lb. Chicken turtles are omnivores who mainly feed on crustaceans, fish and invertebrates as well as plants. Mussels, clams, and other bi-valves as well as crayfish and snails make up most of this turtles diet. Add onions, garlic, tomato paste, and tomatoes. Their strong jaws are capable of crushing their prey. Boil the turtle meat in unseasoned water for 30 minutes to tenderize it. They prefer moving water such as rivers and streams. Out of stock. Hawksbill turtle shells are marbled with brown, green, yellow, and black colors. Their brown or gray skin is usually covered in black dots, while black marking lines stretch across the shell. They dont have a hard shell to protect themselves, so they developed speed, a sharp beak, and long, sharp claws for defense. The Sabine Map Turtle is a very close relative of the Ouachita Map Turtle. Louisiana, though typically shown as nothing but swampland, actually has a wide variety of landscapes. Harvest of turtle eggs is prohibited except for eggs of the red-eared slider. These include Green Sea turtles, Hawksbill Sea turtles, Leatherback and Loggerhead sea turtles, and Kemps Ridley sea turtles. Try stir-frying the meat with bacon in a very hot skillet or adding it to a stew or gumbo. Instructions Step 1 Bring turtle meat, bay leaves, and 10 cups water to a boil in a 6-qt. While submerged, the Snapper is somewhat elusive and tends to swim away from threats. Turtle is cooked lots of ways: its smothered; its pot fried; its stewed; and probably best of all they make sauce piquant with it. Add celery, green onions, peppers, wine and seasoning. Melvin Vanacor, Sr, (1934-2003) was always called by his nickname T-Nom, which means little man in Cajun French. They can produce a bite force of nearly 1,000 pounds. Serve over rice with garlic bread. A vertebral keel is noticeable in juveniles but fades out with age. Simmer additional 15 minutes. Bring the flavors of Louisiana's cuisine to your table with some of our finest recipes. When they reach adulthood, these turtles become very lethargic and dont like to move much. packages of frozen chefs seasonings, 1 7-oz. An outstanding version of the old-fashioned turtle soup, with flavors of lemon, sherry, pepper, and turtle balancing each other out into a superb whole. I have a great turtle soup recipe but how much meat do you have so I can convert it for you. Chicken Rochambeau. If more water is needed during cooking to keep the sauce from getting too thick, add turtle water. Ingredients: Method: Melt 2 sticks of butter in a heavy saucepan. Here is our comprehensive guide to the native turtles in Louisiana. Using the remaining oil add cup more and 1 cup flour. Cook until vegetables are transparent. Continue to cook on a med/low - med heat (not boiling) until turtle is tender. Season with salt and black pepper. Serve with rice. Cover and cook over medium high heat for approximately 30 minutes. Their shells can vary from black and brown to gray or olive. I caught a big soft-shell turtle this morning jug fishing. Return heat to medium-high, add sherry, and scrape bottom of pot to loosen any browned bits. Their shells have jagged, saw-toothed edges. This species is omnivorous and eats aquatic invertebrates, crayfish, and aquatic plants. Allow to cool until meat can be handled. Copyright 1999 - 2023 Louisiana Sportsman, Inc. All rights reserved. Most adults have a sharp keel running the length of their shells. Chicken turtles are equally at home on land and in the water. The prep work is the hardest part of this classic dish. Razor-backed Musk turtles are carnivorous and feed mainly on aquatic invertebrates, such as shellfish, crustaceans, fish, and mollusks. Eastern Mud turtles are omnivorous and mainly eat worms, snails and other mollusks and sometimes fish. They will eat fungi, berries, grasses, insects, worms, spiders, slugs, and snails, as well as some carrion. A species of endangered sea turtles were discovered nesting this summer on the beaches of Louisiana's Chandeleur Islands for the first time in 75 years. Add celery, green onions, peppers, wine and seasoning. Brush edges of pastry with beaten egg. Like most other Map turtles, Sabine Map turtles are omnivorous. Crawfish and Gulf coast seafood delivery to your door. Cajun Grocer ships prepared turtle meat nationwide (cajungrocer.com). Brown in cooking oil. They can climb though and will use the vegetation to get to the surface for air, and even climb trees. Southern Painted turtles have dark brown or black smooth shells with an orange or yellow band running down the spine of the carapace. Cook slowly for 20 to 30 minutes. PAGE MENU. These turtles are often described as the most beautiful of all the sea turtles. Geographically they are spread across the state in vairous parts. Alligator Snapping turtles are carnivores, and will essentially eat anything they can catch. Their plastrons are yellowish in color.