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Smothered Okra With Shrimp

Savory Smothered Okra With Shrimp for a Taste of Comfort

Experience Smothered Okra with Shrimp, a comforting Southern dish that promises rich flavors and delightful textures.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 pound Fresh Okra Use fresh or frozen; thaw and remove excess moisture for the best texture.
  • 1 pound Colossal Raw Shrimp Peel and devein for optimal flavor.
  • 2 pieces Roma Tomatoes Substitute with vine tomatoes if necessary.
  • 1 medium Onion Roughly chopped; shallots can work as a milder alternative.
For Aromatics
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic Paste or Minced Garlic 1 tablespoon of paste replaces about 4 cloves of fresh garlic.
  • Kosher Salt Adjust to taste.
  • Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Ideal for sautéing; can replace with vegetable oil or clarified butter.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Adds depth and thickness to the sauce.
  • 1 cup Water or Low-Sodium Broth Broth adds flavor.
For Seasoning
  • Cajun Seasoning Store-bought or homemade.
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • ½ teaspoon Cumin
  • Dried Basil
  • Dried Parsley
  • 1-2 Bay Leaves Optional but recommended.
  • Red Pepper Flakes Add for heat as desired.

Equipment

  • large saucepan

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash and slice 1 pound of fresh okra into 1-inch pieces. Dice 2 Roma tomatoes and roughly chop 1 medium onion. Peel and devein 1 pound of colossal raw shrimp, then season with kosher salt and black pepper.
Cooking
  1. In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the shrimp and cook for approximately 6 minutes until lightly pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add sliced okra and chopped onions. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Once okra is cooked, stir in diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon of garlic. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, ground ginger, cumin, and 1 cup of broth.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let cook for 45 minutes.
  6. Add sautéed shrimp back into the mixture and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  7. Serve over a fluffy bed of Haitian white rice or your favorite grain.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 170mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Soak okra in vinegar for 30 minutes before cooking to reduce slime and improve texture. Use heavy cookware for even heating, and simmer uncovered for a thicker sauce if desired. Adjust seasonings to taste.

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