Faux Seafood Gumbo: A Midwestern Twist on a Classic Creole Dish 🍲🌟
Description:
Dive into a bowl of Faux Seafood Gumbo, a delightful and manageable take on the classic Creole dish. This non-traditional gumbo brings the comforting essence of the South to the Midwest with ease, perfect for those who crave the richness of gumbo without the complexity. Though it may not be the most authentic, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying alternative that’s perfect for any occasion.
Recipe Category:
Gumbo
Keywords:
Stew, Crab, Creole, Very Low Carbs, Less Than 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound bacon, diced
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with their liquid
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound frozen okra, thawed
Instructions:
-
Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, set over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it becomes crispy and golden brown. This step will infuse your dish with a rich, savory flavor. 🍳🕰️
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Transfer Bacon to Slow Cooker:
- Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the crispy bacon bits to a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker. This will form the flavorful base of your gumbo. 🥄🔄
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- Discard all but a thin coating of bacon fat from the skillet. Add the finely chopped celery, onion, and green bell pepper to the skillet along with minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender and aromatic, about 10 minutes. 🌽🧅🌶️
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Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
- Spoon the sautéed vegetables into the slow cooker with the bacon. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their liquid, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and dried thyme leaves. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. 🍅🍲
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Cook the Gumbo:
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 3 1/2 hours, or on high heat for 1 1/2 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. ⏳🔥
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Add Seafood and Okra:
- After the initial cooking time, add the peeled and deveined shrimp, along with the thawed okra to the slow cooker. Continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes on low heat or 15 minutes on high heat, until the shrimp are cooked through and the okra is tender. 🍤🥡
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once everything is cooked to perfection, ladle the gumbo into bowls and serve it hot with a side of rice. This makes for a hearty and satisfying meal that brings a taste of the South to your table. 🍚👩🍳
Cooking Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 380.2
- Fat: 19.6 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6.2 grams
- Cholesterol: 172.7 milligrams
- Sodium: 2107.2 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 13.2 grams
- Fiber: 2.8 grams
- Sugar: 6.2 grams
- Protein: 37 grams
This Faux Seafood Gumbo is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a perfect dish for those who want to enjoy a classic gumbo experience with a Midwestern twist. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, it’s sure to impress with its rich flavors and comforting qualities. Enjoy every bite of this easy-to-make, delicious gumbo! 🌟🍽️
