Seafood Gumbo

This seafood gumbo loaded with shrimp, as in this classic Southern Cajun recipe, screams for a cold beer and a lazy weekend afternoon dedicated to nothing but cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 c. flour
• 1 c. oil
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp. gumbo file`
• Cajun seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• 1 small chopped onion
• 1 small chopped bell pepper
• 2 stalks chopped celery
• 2 Tbsp minced garlic
• 2 -3 quarts water or seafood stock
• 1 1/2 lbs jumbo shrimp
• 1 pint FRESH oysters
• 2 lbs crab (your choice)
• Salt/pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Making a roux takes time and patience, it is singularly the most important step to making a good gumbo.
2. Equal parts oil and flour (1 cup each) in a nice heavy pot…..cook on med heat.
3. Stir, stir, stir and stir some more. Don’t rush it, don’t walk away from the pot too long because you don’t want to burn it. Pull up a bar stool, pour yourself a glass of wine, grab a cold beer or maybe mix a drink but get comfortable take your time and stir until the roux is a deep chocolate color which will take anywhere from 25 up to 40 minutes.
4. Once you’ve reached the color you desire, add the chopped veggies and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Cook another 3 to 5 minutes then add the liquid (2-3 quarts of water or stock)
6. Add spices to taste, two bay leaves, one tsp gumbo file` and one capful of liquid crab boil which is about a fourth teaspoon.
7. Cover and let simmer on med/low for 20 minutes.
8. Add the crab, cover and cook another 30 minutes.
9. Add oysters and shrimp, cover and cook another 10 minutes.

Enjoy!!