Seafood Okra Gumbo

I’ve had this recipe copied in my home recipe file for so long I have no idea now where I even got it from, but it’s one of my favorite gumbos. When fresh okra is in season, definitely give this a try.

• Ready In: 5 hrs 40 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1  quart okra, cut into 1/2 in. pieces
• 2  garlic cloves, chopped
• 2  tablespoons  oil
• 1⁄4 cup parsley, chopped
• 2  quarts water
• 1 (16 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
• 2 -3  lbs shrimp
• 2  bay leaves
• 2⁄3 cup  oil
• 2  tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1⁄2 cup flour
• 2  small  boiled  crabs
• 2  medium onions, chopped
•  salt
• 1  bell pepper, chopped
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2  celery ribs, chopped
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

1. Peel and devein shrimp. Set aside in refrigerator. Boil shrimp shells in 2 qt: several hours to make a stock. Set aside.
2. In a heavy skillet, heat 2 tbs oil and saute the okra about 1/2 hour. Set aside.
3. In a large (6-8 qt.) heavy Dutch Oven make a dark brown roux with the oil and flour.
4. Add onions, bell pepper, celery, garlic and parsley and saute until tender.
5. Add tomatoes and cook 15 minutes.
6. Add sauteed okra, shrimp stock, crabs (broken into quart leaves, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper and cayenne. Bring to a slow boil and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add salt to taste.
7. Add the peeled shrimp and continue cooking until the shrimp are done.
8. Serve over steamed rice. This dish is best if cooked a day in advance and left overnight.