OLaVie Shrimp Gumbo Recipe:

OLaVie Shrimp Gumbo.jpg
 
 

Shrimp Gumbo

Makes 6 to 8 servings. Patience is key to this recipe.

Ingredients:

  • One Yellow Onion,diced

  • One Red Bell Pepper, diced

  • 4 Stalks of Celery, diced

  • 5 Cloves of Garlic, finely chopped

  • 1 Cup Vegetable Oil

  • 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour

  • 3 tablespoons of filé powder (ground Sassafras leaves! If you don’t have this, use okra instead as a thickening agent, about 1 cup of okra will do)

  • 3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning

  • 2 teaspoons of Cayenne pepper (add another teaspoon if you like the heat)

  • 3 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce (for a bit of tangyness)

  • 6 cups of seafood stock (chicken is ok to use as well)

  • 1 cup of beer (optional- for a little added depth in tastes of caramel and earthiness)

  • A few pinches of salt

  • 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp

  • Cooked rice of your choice

Instructions:

  • In an large pot, heat the oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes (slow and steady is key). Then add the flour and stir together to form the roux. Cook the mixture for about 20-30 minutes, continuing to stir often-put on your favorite album to dance while you stir. The mixture should become the color of peanut butter.

  • Once the roux is ready, add onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, and okra (if using). Allow the vegetables to cook for about 5-7 minutes, continuing to stir often. Then add stock (and beer if using), filé, cajun seasoning, Worcestershire, salt and cayenne. Bring this to a boil then reduce heat to medium and slowly simmer for about 1 hour.

  • Add the shrimp and cook for about 5-8 minutes, until they seem fully cooked through.

  • Serve with rice of your choice and relish in your hard work and patience.