Mama's Delightful Seafood Gumbo
This delightful seafood gumbo, passed down through generations, showcases the rich culinary heritage of the South. My mama's secret blend of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices create a symphony of flavors that fills the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. Unlike many traditional gumbo recipes, this one skips the roux, making it lighter yet incredibly satisfying. It's perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. You can easily double the recipe, allowing you to freeze leftovers for a quick and hearty meal later. Serve it over fluffy rice and enjoy a taste of home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crisco cooking oil
3 tablespoons (none)
okra, fresh
1 lb (sliced (if using frozen, microwave for 15 minutes and drain))
onion
1 (chopped)
green onion
1 bunch (chopped)
celery
1/2 cup (chopped)
tomato sauce
15 ounces (canned)
parsley
2 sprigs (chopped)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
thyme
1 sprig (whole)
water
2 quarts (none)
shrimp, peeled
2 lbs (none)
crabmeat
1 lb (cooked)
oyster
1 dozen (optional, shucked)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the Crisco cooking oil over medium heat. Add the okra and fry it gently for about 30-45 minutes until it is lightly browned and tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
2
Once the okra is cooked, add the chopped onion, green onion, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, around 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the tomato sauce, chopped parsley, bay leaf, thyme, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4
After 30 minutes, add the peeled shrimp, crabmeat, and oysters (if using) to the pot. Stir well and let this simmer for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
For an even richer flavor, it's best to cook the gumbo in the morning and allow it to rest, covered, until ready to serve. Reheat gently before serving over rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mama's Delightful Seafood Gumbo?
Mama's Delightful Seafood Gumbo is a traditional southern recipe featuring shrimp, crabmeat, and okra, passed down through generations.
Does this gumbo recipe use a roux?
No, this recipe skips the traditional roux, making it a lighter alternative to many other seafood gumbos.
What are the primary seafood ingredients?
The main seafood ingredients are two pounds of peeled shrimp and one pound of cooked crabmeat, with oysters being an optional addition.
How long does it take to cook the okra?
The okra should be gently fried for about 30 to 45 minutes until it is lightly browned and tender.
Can I use frozen okra?
Yes, you can use frozen okra; simply microwave it for 15 minutes and drain it before use.
What vegetables are needed for the gumbo base?
The vegetable base includes okra, onion, green onion, and celery.
How much shrimp is required?
The recipe calls for two pounds of peeled shrimp.
What type of oil is recommended for frying the okra?
The recipe specifies using 3 tablespoons of Crisco cooking oil.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
After adding the onion, green onion, and celery to the cooked okra, they should be sautéed for about 5 to 7 minutes.
What herbs and spices are used for seasoning?
The gumbo is seasoned with chopped parsley, a bay leaf, a sprig of thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
How much liquid is added to the pot?
The recipe requires 2 quarts of water and 15 ounces of canned tomato sauce.
How long does the gumbo simmer before adding seafood?
Once the tomato sauce, herbs, and water are added, the mixture should simmer for 30 minutes.
How long should the seafood simmer in the gumbo?
The shrimp, crabmeat, and optional oysters should simmer in the pot for an additional 30 minutes.
What is the best way to develop a richer flavor?
For a richer flavor, cook the gumbo in the morning and allow it to rest, covered, until you are ready to serve.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe to serve more people or to freeze for later.
Is this gumbo suitable for freezing?
Yes, the gumbo is freezer-friendly, making it great for quick and hearty future meals.
What should I serve with the seafood gumbo?
It is traditionally served over fluffy white rice.
Are the oysters required?
No, the dozen shucked oysters are optional.
What kind of pot should I use?
A large heavy-bottomed pot is recommended to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
How do I prepare the shrimp?
The shrimp should be peeled before being added to the gumbo.
What is the preparation for the crabmeat?
The crabmeat should be pre-cooked before it is added to the pot.
How often should I stir the gumbo?
You should stir occasionally throughout the cooking process to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe contains 15 total ingredients including seasonings.
What is the consistency of the okra?
The okra is fried until tender and lightly browned, which helps define the gumbo's texture without a roux.
How do I reheat the gumbo?
Reheat the gumbo gently on the stove before serving.
What is the preparation for the celery?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped celery.
What is the role of tomato sauce in this gumbo?
Tomato sauce provides the acidic base and color for the gumbo liquid in the absence of a roux.
Which tags describe this dish?
Tags include gumbo, seafood, southern cuisine, easy recipe, family meal, and comfort food.
How many green onions are used?
The recipe uses one whole bunch of chopped green onions.
Is the bay leaf left in the dish?
While the recipe says to add a whole bay leaf, it is typical to remove whole herbs like bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving.