Cajun Okra and Shrimp Gumbo

Directions

1. Prepare the Base: In a 4-quart saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add okra, onions, celery, bell peppers, and chopped garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 minutes until the okra stops “stringing.”
3. Add Tomatoes and Stock: Stir in diced tomatoes and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer for approximately 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Proteins: Incorporate shrimp, smoked sausage, chicken wings, and crawfish tails (if using). Continue to cook for an additional 15–20 minutes until shrimp are opaque and chicken is cooked through.
5. Season: Adjust the seasoning with Cajun spices, onion powder, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, and Slap Ya Mama (or salt and pepper) to taste.
6. Serve: Ladle hot gumbo into bowls, pairing with steamed rice or crusty bread if desired.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Medium

Variations & Substitutions

• For a spicier gumbo, add chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Substitute andouille sausage if smoked sausage isn’t available.
• Use frozen okra if fresh is not accessible, though fresh yields the best texture.
• Omit chicken or crawfish tails for a simpler seafood gumbo.

Serving Suggestions