Gumbo Recipe

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of making a delicious Creole Gumbo, inspired by the Smoky Ribs BBQ recipe. You'll learn how to create a rich seafood stock and combine it with flavorful ingredients to craft a savory dish perfect for any occasion. Follow these steps for an authentic gumbo experience.

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood Stock

1. Gather Ingredients

   • 5 pounds Gulf shrimp (cleaned and washed)
   • 12 blue crabs
   • 1 gallon water
   • 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning
   • 3 celery stalks (chopped)
   • 3 carrots (chopped)
   • 1 onion (quartered)
   • 1 garlic clove (quartered)
   • 3 bay leaves

2. Cook the Stock

   • In a large pot, add the water.
   • Incorporate shrimp tails, shells, and crab flappers.
   • Season with all-purpose seasoning.
   • Add the chopped celery, onion, carrots, garlic, and bay leaves.
   • Mix well and bring to a boil.
   • Reduce heat and let simmer for 1.5 hours.

Step 2: Create the Reduction

1. Gather Reduction Ingredients

   • 1 tablespoon olive oil
   • 1/2 onion (roughly chopped)
   • 4 garlic cloves (chopped)
   • 2 cups water
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
   • 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
   • 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
   • 3 lemons (quartered)
   • 4 bay leaves
   • 1/4 cup Merlot

2. Cook the Reduction

   • Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
   • Add onion and garlic, sauté for a few minutes.
   • Pour in 2 cups of water and season with salt, black pepper, and all-purpose seasoning.
   • Add shrimp shells and heads, crab feelers, Worcestershire sauce, lemon quarters, and bay leaves.
   • Stir in Merlot and let cook for about 30 minutes.
   • Strain the mixture into a smaller pot, reducing it down to about 6 tablespoons until thick and syrupy.

Step 3: Make the Gumbo Base

1. Prepare Gumbo Ingredients

   • 1 cup vegetable oil
   • 1 cup all-purpose flour
   • Sea salt (to taste)
   • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
   • 3 celery stalks (chopped)
   • 1 small onion (chopped)
   • 1 medium onion (chopped)
   • 1.5 tablespoons chopped garlic
   • 5 bay leaves
   • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
   • 29 ounces canned stewed tomatoes (2 cans)
   • 1 teaspoon low salt seasoning
   • 24 ounces baked okra
   • 1 pound chopped sausage
   • 3 tablespoons dried shrimp
   • 2 bunches green onions (chopped)

2. Prepare the Gumbo

   • Strain the seafood stock and mix it with the reduction.
   • In a skillet, heat vegetable oil and add flour, stirring continuously until smooth.
   • Season with sea salt and black pepper, cooking until the roux is dark brown (avoid burning).
   • Add chopped onions and celery, cooking for 3-4 minutes.
   • Stir in garlic and cook briefly before transferring to a pot.
   • Add the mixed stock to the pot and simmer.
   • Incorporate sausage, bay leaves, thyme, stewed tomatoes, low salt seasoning, and dried shrimp.
   • Add baked okra and additional water as needed, continuing to simmer for a couple of hours.

Step 4: Final Cooking and Serving

1. Add the Seafood

   • After simmering, add blue crabs to the pot and cook for another 10 minutes.
   • Finally, stir in shrimp, green onions, and crab meat, mixing well.
   • Season with additional salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning to taste.

2. Refrigerate and Serve

   • Allow the gumbo to cool and refrigerate overnight to enhance flavor.
   • Reheat the desired amount the next day and enjoy!

Conclusion

You've now mastered the art of making a flavorful Creole Gumbo from scratch. This dish is not only delicious but also perfect for gatherings. Feel free to experiment with ingredients and adjust seasonings to your taste. Enjoy your culinary creation!