Southern Style Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo with Okra
This Southern Style Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo with Okra combines the rich flavors of the South with fresh ingredients, creating a comforting and hearty dish that warms the soul. Inspired by my family's love for tomato-based meals, this gumbo is easy to prepare and brings together succulent shrimp, smoked sausage, vibrant vegetables, and spices, delivering a taste of New Orleans right in your own kitchen. The dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner and is best served over fluffy white rice with a side of crusty bread for that authentic experience. Everyone at the table will be asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic cloves
5 (minced)
yellow onion
1 (chopped)
green bell pepper
1/2 (diced)
gumbo file
1 (sprinkled)
seasoning salt
1 (teaspoon)
black pepper
1/2 (tablespoon)
garlic powder
1/2 (tablespoon)
sugar
1/2 (tablespoon)
tomato sauce
1 1/2 (cups)
water
2 (cups)
red pepper flakes
1/8 (tablespoon)
red pepper
1/8 (teaspoon)
bay leaves
3 (whole)
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
large shrimp
1 1/2 (lbs, cleaned and deveined)
smoked sausage (Kilbosa)
1 (lb, sliced)
frozen okra
optional, to taste (added)
canned corn
optional, to taste (added)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage and sauté until browned, about 5 minutes.
2
Stir in the minced garlic, chopped yellow onion, and diced green bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the seasoning salt, black pepper, garlic powder, sugar, red pepper flakes, red pepper, and bay leaves. Stir well and let the spices bloom for about 2-3 minutes.
4
Pour in the tomato sauce and water, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
5
Add the cleaned and deveined shrimp, along with the frozen okra (and canned corn if using). Stir and let simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and the okra is tender.
6
Taste the gumbo and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If satisfied, sprinkle in the gumbo file, stirring it in to combine evenly.
7
Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to deepen.
8
Serve hot over fluffy white rice and pair with your favorite bread. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
20
Carbs
12.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Style Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo with Okra?
It is a comforting and hearty Southern dish featuring succulent shrimp, smoked sausage, and okra in a flavorful tomato-based broth.
How many calories are in this gumbo recipe?
Each serving of this gumbo contains approximately 250 calories.
What kind of sausage should I use for this gumbo?
The recipe recommends using 1 lb of sliced smoked sausage, specifically Kielbasa.
How much shrimp is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 lbs of large shrimp that have been cleaned and deveined.
Is this gumbo recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, it is designed to be easy to prepare and brings the taste of New Orleans to your kitchen without complex steps.
What is the purpose of gumbo file in this recipe?
Gumbo file is used as a seasoning and thickening agent, sprinkled in at the end of the cooking process.
Can I add corn to this gumbo?
Yes, canned corn is an optional ingredient that can be added to taste.
How much fat is in a serving?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
What are the primary vegetables used in the base?
The base uses one yellow onion, half of a green bell pepper, and five cloves of garlic.
How long should I cook the shrimp?
Simmer the shrimp for 10-15 minutes until they turn pink and the okra becomes tender.
Do I need to make a roux for this gumbo?
This specific recipe is tomato-based and uses tomato sauce and okra rather than a traditional flour roux.
What should I serve with this gumbo?
It is best served over fluffy white rice with a side of crusty bread.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe provides 12.5 grams of protein per serving.
Is there any sugar in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 tablespoon of sugar is added to help balance the flavors of the tomato and spices.
How many bay leaves are required?
The recipe calls for 3 whole bay leaves to be added during the simmering process.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much liquid is used for the broth?
The broth is made using 1 1/2 cups of tomato sauce and 2 cups of water.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to sauté the sausage and vegetables.
Can I use frozen okra?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for frozen okra, added to taste.
What spices provide the heat in this recipe?
The heat comes from 1/8 tablespoon of red pepper flakes and 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper.
How long does it take to sauté the sausage?
The smoked sausage should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until browned.
When should the vegetables be added?
Add the garlic, onion, and bell pepper after browning the sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes.
Why should the gumbo sit after cooking?
Letting it sit for a few minutes allows the flavors to deepen and the gumbo file to set.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific cuisine?
Yes, it is inspired by Southern and New Orleans style tomato-based family recipes.
Can I substitute the green bell pepper?
While green bell pepper is traditional, you can use other colors, though the flavor profile may change slightly.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for one chopped yellow onion.
Is this gumbo spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat from the red pepper and flakes, which can be adjusted to your preference.
How much seasoning salt is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 18 ingredients used in this recipe, including optional items.
Should the okra be added at the beginning?
No, the okra should be added along with the shrimp during the final 10-15 minutes of simmering.