Seafood Gumbo Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound crab meat
• 1/2 pound okra, sliced
• 4 cups chicken or seafood broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Gradually add the flour while constantly stirring to make a roux. Continue to cook, stirring, until the roux turns a deep brown color. Be patient; this process may take about 15-20 minutes. Take care not to burn the roux.
2. Add the chopped onions, green bell pepper, and celery to the roux. Stir well and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the sliced okra and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Pour in the chicken or seafood broth and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
6. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the gumbo simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
8. Add the shrimp and crab meat to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the seafood is pink and fully cooked.
9. Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
10. Serve the seafood gumbo hot over a bed of cooked rice. Enjoy your delicious homemade gumbo!