🍤 Shrimp, Crabmeat, and Okra Gumbo – A Classic Southern Seafood Stew

Instructions:

1. Make the Roux:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine oil and flour over medium heat. Stir constantly until it reaches a deep brown color, about 15–20 minutes.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   Add chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the roux. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add Okra:
   Stir in sliced okra and cook until it loses some of its stickiness, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Stock & Seasonings:
   Slowly pour in the seafood stock while stirring. Add bay leaf, thyme, cayenne, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes to blend flavors.
5. Add Seafood:
   Add shrimp and crabmeat. Cook for another 5–7 minutes until shrimp turns pink and crabmeat is heated through.
6. Serve:
   Remove bay leaf and serve hot over cooked white rice. Enjoy this Southern classic!

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Tips:

• Adjust cayenne for desired spiciness.
• Use fresh seafood for the best flavor.
• Gumbo tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.