Gumbo (Clean out the fridge)

Cook Roux until dark caramel color but lighter than chocolate candy color. Be careful not to get any on you because it sticks to you and makes a bad burn. Can start at a higher temperature but as it darkens, decrease the temperature. Stir continuously. Don’t let burn. Use heat resistant flattish wooden spoon. Some plastic ware will melt when you are browning flour.

·         ½ c. butter/oil/bacon grease, or whatever you have. (can use less if you like)

·         ½  heaping cup of flour

Once the roux reaches the right color, cool the pan of roux in a pan of cold water so it stops cooking and set aside.

 

Saute till soft, maybe even lightly browned

·         1 onion

While the onion is cooking, finely chop

·         2 -3 Celery stalks

·         1 fresh Pepper (or more if you’re using small ones)

·         Hot pepper (optional) (

Then cook till soft

 

Meanwhile blend Cajun spice mixture and stir into cooked vegetables

·         ½ - 1 t. white, red, & black pepper

·         1 -2 t.  oregano, thyme, paprika, salt

·         1-2 t. garlic & onion powder (Optional)

 

Stir into cooked vegetables

·         4-6 garlic cloves (fine mince or garlic press)

 

Deglaze pan with

·         Can of diced tomatoes (optional) or

·         Wine or vinegar

 

Add leftover meat

·         Sausage, beef, duck, chicken, turkey…..

·         Cooked leftover veggies such as corn, greens,… (optional)

·         Black eye peas, lentils, beans, if you don’t have enough meat (optional) or for vegetarians

 

Add enough broth to cover everything

·         Broth such as veggie, beef, duck, chicken, shrimp shell*,….

 

Then add thickeners

·         Roux

·         Okra (optional)

Bring to a boil to thicken.

 

Once to desired thickness, turn off heat and add

·         ¼ - ½ c. chopped parsley

·         Juice from one lemon

·         Uncooked shrimp if want.

 Serve over Rice

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Shrimp Shell Broth

 

Bring to boil

·         Raw shrimp shells

·         Enough water to cover shells

Then let cool