Seafood Gumbo

Ingredients

• 4-6 quarts water
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cups okra, sliced
• 6 large tomatoes, chopped
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped, with leaves
• 1 1/2 cups bell peppers (Blend 1/2 cup each Bell red and green and Jalapeno chopped)
• 12 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 bay leaves
• 3 tablespoons cajun seasoning (I use Paul Prudhomme seafood mix)
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
• 3 ounces tomato paste
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/3 cup sunflower oil or olive oil
• 1 lb tilapia fillet
• 1 lb crab claw meat
• 3 lbs shrimp, small to medium
• 10 oysters

Directions

1. 1

   *Make seafood stock from shrimp heads and shells, crab bodies, fish carcasses or all of the above for stock).Bring to a boil 4-6 quarts of water, lower heat to mid heat 45 m -1hour. Strain the stock, discarding solids.

2. 2

   Cook okra in the butter/oil blend in a large, heavy stainless steel pot over medium heat, stirring and scraping until some of the sliminess is gone; about 10-15 minutes.

3. 3

   At same time make Roux by blending 1/3 cup flour with 1/3 cup oil keep stirring on mid heat until brown – darkish brown.

4. 4

   In another pan fry, onions, celery, garlic, peppers, vinegar (I prefer lemon), the seasoning and herb mix for 10 minute.

5. 5

   Add tomato and tomato paste and cook over low to medium heat for about 15 minute.

6. 6

   add okra and Roux together . then add to veggie mix for 15 minute stirring and scraping often.

7. 7

   Very slowly blend the stock into the mixture. Simmer about 30 minute.

8. 8

   Add crab and shrimp and simmer 10 to 15 minutes.

9. 9

   Add oysters and simmer about 5 minutes. Add green onions.

10. 10

    Cook desired amount of white parboiled rice and place in a soup bowl.

11. 11

    Pour desired amount of the gumbo over rice.

12. 12

    You can play with the amounts to your liking but this is absolutely cant miss.

13. 13

    you can play with the volume of seafood and the fish is optional.