Quick Shrimp “Gumbo” Recipe
When the abundance of fresh okra from the garden beckons, this Quick Shrimp “Gumbo” emerges as the ideal solution—a vibrant and hearty dish that captures the essence of gumbo without the fuss of making a roux. With its tantalizing blend of flavors and straightforward preparation, it’s a true winner for a speedy yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons bacon grease (or use olive oil for a lighter option)
- 1 ½ to 2 cups fresh okra, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup white corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried sweet basil
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 pound raw small shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Base:
Heat the bacon grease (or olive oil) in a medium-large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped sweet onion and sauté until it becomes tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step creates a flavorful base for the gumbo. -
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Combine Ingredients:
To the pan, add the sliced okra, diced tomatoes, and white corn. Stir in the dried oregano, sweet basil, and ground cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well to ensure the flavors meld together. -
Simmer:
Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes. During this time, the vegetables will soften, and the flavors will develop beautifully. To maximize your time, start cooking some rice to serve alongside the gumbo. -
Add Shrimp:
After simmering, add the fresh peeled shrimp to the saucepan. Continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. This step completes the dish and integrates the shrimp with the rich flavors of the gumbo. -
Serve:
Spoon the hot gumbo over a bed of freshly cooked rice. The rice acts as a perfect complement, soaking up the flavorful broth and adding a satisfying texture to the dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 99.6
- Fat: 3.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 35.8 mg
- Sodium: 186.3 mg
- Carbohydrates: 13.3 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Sugar: 4.3 g
- Protein: 6.5 g
Tips:
- For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
- Fresh okra is ideal, but if it’s not in season, frozen okra works well too.
- This recipe is versatile; feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
Enjoy this quick and delightful shrimp gumbo, a perfect blend of savory and satisfying flavors ready in just under an hour! Serve it up with rice and let it transport you to a delightful culinary experience. 🍲🌿
