Ingredients
Scale
Gathering your ingredients is the first step in creating this delicious gumbo. Remember, cooking is an art, and sometimes a pinch of this or a splash of that can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound crabmeat
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Sliced green onions and chopped parsley for garnish
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can substitute the crabmeat with crawfish or add some sliced andouille sausage for an extra smoky flavor. Remember, the kitchen is your playground!
Instructions
Now, let’s bring this pot of goodness to life. Creating gumbo is an experience, one that involves patience and love. Here’s how you can make it:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the flour and stir constantly to make a roux, cooking until it turns a rich, golden brown, about 10-15 minutes. This is where the magic begins!
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the roux, stirring until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. The scent will remind you of home.
- Stir in the garlic, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, chicken stock, Cajun seasoning, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is when the flavors start to meld beautifully.
- Gently stir in the shrimp and crabmeat, cooking until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them!
- Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve the gumbo over a scoop of cooked rice, garnished with sliced green onions and parsley. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International