lauttimur.com - Shrimp gumbo is a classic Creole and Cajun dish known for its rich, flavorful broth and a combination of seafood, vegetables, and spices. Here's a basic recipe to make a delicious shrimp gumbo:

Ingredients:
For the Gumbo Base:

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or bacon fat
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or seafood broth
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 bay leaves

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For the Seafood:

• 1 pound medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound crabmeat (optional)
• 1/2 pound okra, sliced (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup sliced andouille sausage (or smoked sausage)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• Green onions, chopped, for garnish
• Cooked rice, for serving

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Instructions:

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil or bacon fat over medium heat.
2. Gradually whisk in the flour to create a roux. Continue to stir the roux constantly for about 20-30 minutes, or until it reaches a deep brown color. Be careful not to burn it; lower the heat if necessary.
3. Stir in the chopped onions, bell pepper, and celery into the roux. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables soften.
4. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.
5. Gradually pour in the chicken or seafood broth while stirring to incorporate it into the roux mixture.
6. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and bay leaves. Stir well.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the gumbo simmer for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become.
8. Add the shrimp, crabmeat (if using), sliced okra, and andouille sausage to the gumbo. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and the seafood is cooked through.
9. Remove the bay leaves from the gumbo.
10. Serve the shrimp gumbo hot over cooked rice.
11. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Enjoy your homemade shrimp gumbo, a taste of Louisiana's vibrant and flavorful cuisine!

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