Instructions

  1. Thaw shrimp, if frozen.
  2. Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails intact if desired.
  3. Rinse shrimp; pat dry with paper towels.
  4. In a medium skillet, cook flour over medium heat about 6 minutes or until brown, stirring often.
  5. Transfer to a medium bowl; set aside.
  6. In a 4-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat.
  7. Add onion, sweet pepper, celery, and garlic; cook and stir about 5 minutes or until tender.
  8. Slowly whisk broth into browned flour.
  9. Add broth mixture, water, and Cajun Spice Mix to Dutch oven.
  10. Stir in okra.
  11. Bring to boiling; reduce heat.
  12. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
  13. Add shrimp; cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until shrimp is pink.
  14. To Serve:
  15. spoon gumbo into 8 bowls. Top each serving with rice, a shrimp, and a green onion, if desired.
  16. If desired, pass hot pepper sauce. Makes 8 (1-1/4 cups gumbo plus 1/3 cup rice) servings.
  17. Cajun Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed; 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper.