Smothered Okra and Shrimp

Picture this: You’re in the heart of the American South, and the aroma of a Creole masterpiece is wafting through the air. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, a soul-warming experience that transcends mere food. Welcome to the world of Smothered Okra and Shrimp, a Creole comfort food extravaganza. If you’ve never tried this delightful dish, you’re in for a treat. And if you’re already a fan, prepare to discover the secret behind perfecting this Southern classic. Get ready to unravel the flavors, master the technique, and indulge in a sensational taste of Creole cuisine.

Smothered Okra and Shrimp is a medley of flavors and textures that’s nothing short of enchanting. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp mingling with tender slices of okra in a rich and hearty Creole sauce. Each bite is a symphony of tastes – the slightly sweet, grassy notes of okra, the savory allure of well-seasoned shrimp, and the warm embrace of Creole spices. But what makes this dish truly extraordinary is the secret technique we’re about to unveil.

Ingredients:

1 pound Fresh-Cut Okra (sliced into desired pieces)
2 Tomatoes (diced)
1 pound Colossal Raw Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 pound Large Raw Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 tablespoon Garlic Paste
½ cup Roughly Chopped Onions
AB’s All-Purpose Seasoning
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
½ teaspoon Black Pepper
2 tablespoons Branch and Vine Garlic Infused Olive Oil
2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
2 tablespoons Creole Kick
2 cups Chicken Broth or Stock
1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
1 teaspoon Cumin
1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
1 teaspoon Dried Basil
1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
3 Bay Leaves

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Slice the fresh-cut okra into your desired pieces.
Dice the tomatoes.
Peel and devein the shrimp.
Mince the garlic or use garlic paste.
Roughly chop the onions.

Step 2: Start Cooking

Heat a large pan over medium heat.
Add about 2 tablespoons of garlic-infused olive oil.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan.
Season them with kosher salt, coarse black pepper, and a generous pinch of AB’s All-Purpose Seasoning.
Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes until they turn pink. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Onions

In the same pan, add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent.

Step 5: Introduce Okra

Add the sliced okra and continue cooking. Stir to prevent sticking and cook for about 15 minutes. This helps reduce the sliminess of the okra.

Step 6: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

Once the okra starts to soften, add the diced tomatoes to the pan and continue cooking.
Sprinkle some AB’s All-Purpose Seasoning over the mixture and add the tomato paste. Stir to combine.
Add Creole Kick seasoning to enhance the Creole flavor of the dish.
Add the minced garlic or garlic paste and continue to stir.

Step 7: Create the Base

Pour in the chicken broth or stock to create a flavorful base for the dish.
Season the mixture with ground ginger, cumin, and red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Add dried basil and dried parsley for added flavor. Drop in the bay leaves and stir everything together.

Step 8: Simmer to Perfection

Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After the mixture has simmered, add the cooked shrimp back into the pan, along with any juices that may have accumulated.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Stir the shrimp into the mixture and let them heat through for about 3 minutes. Remove the bay leaves.
Your Smothered Okra and Shrimp is now ready to serve. You can enjoy it over rice or with your choice of sides. Bon appétit!

Expert Tips and Tricks:

Experiment with the spice levels by adjusting the amount of Creole Kick and red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
The Creole flavor relies heavily on the quality of AB’s All-Purpose Seasoning, so don’t skimp on this ingredient.
To reduce the sliminess of okra, make sure to thoroughly cook it as directed.
The bay leaves should be removed before serving.

Variations:

For a spicier kick, add some hot sauce or extra red pepper flakes.
Feel free to add other vegetables, like bell peppers, to create your own unique twist.

What to Serve It With:

Smothered Okra and Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a serving of fluffy rice or crusty French bread. You can also serve it alongside a light salad for a well-balanced meal.