Southern Comfort Smothered Okra with Shrimp

Recipe Introduction

Calling All Comfort Food Fanatics!

Fancy a trip to the South without leaving your kitchen? Ever wondered how to make Smothered Okra With Shrimp ? This recipe brings all the Southern charm straight to your plate.

It’s packed with flavor, simple to make, and oh-so-satisfying. Honestly, its a hug in a bowl.

Southern Flavors, Made Easy

This Okra And Shrimp Recipe hails from the Lowcountry, where they know comfort food. It's a medium difficulty dish, ready in just over an hour.

This yields 4-6 generous servings. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with mates.

Why You'll Love This Dish

Southern okra and shrimp is more than just delicious; it's good for you! Okra is packed with fiber. That makes it a winner for gut health.

This One-pot shrimp and okra is perfect for a cosy night in. It's special because it’s a complete meal in one pot.

It’s got veggies, protein, and tons of flavour. It simplifies cooking.

Now that your mouth is watering, let's talk ingredients.

Let's Talk About the Bits You Need

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. What bits and bobs do we need for our Smothered Okra With Shrimp ? Don't worry, it's not rocket science.

Think of it like a good old Sunday roast, but with a Southern twist.

Main Ingredients

So, here's what you need. It’s all fairly standard, innit?

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil. The standard stuff.
• 1 large yellow onion. Roughly 200g . Make sure it’s firm.
• 1 green bell pepper. Aim for about 150g .
• 2 celery stalks, chopped. That is around 100g.
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh is best, honestly.
• 1 teaspoon (5g) of Creole seasoning. This is important for the depth of flavor!
• ½ teaspoon (2.5g) of smoked paprika. Adds a lovely smoky hint.
• ¼ teaspoon (1g) of cayenne pepper. Optional! Only if you like it spicy.
• 1 (28 ounce/800g) can of crushed tomatoes. Essential for that rich base.
• 1 (14.5 ounce/400g) can of diced tomatoes. Don't drain them, keep the juice!
• 1 cup (240 ml) of chicken broth. Low sodium if you can.
• 1 pound (450g) of fresh or frozen okra, sliced. Fresh is great, but frozen works in a pinch.
• 1 pound (450g) of peeled and deveined shrimp, medium sized. Quality shrimp makes a huge difference!
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. For a bit of freshness at the end.
• Salt and black pepper to taste. Seasoning is king!

For the star of the show, shrimp, look for firm texture and a fresh, sea-like smell. No ammonia whiff. And with okra, smaller pods are generally more tender.

Seasoning Notes

Let’s talk spice, baby! Creole seasoning is your best friend here. It's a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne.

Honestly, you can find it at most supermarkets, or even better, find a Lowcountry okra and shrimp recipe from somewhere near you.

It gives an authentic punch that can be hard to replicate if you wing it.

If you can’t find Creole seasoning, don’t fret! Mix equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme.

Add a pinch of cayenne for some Spicy shrimp and okra . Not the same, but pretty close.

For flavor enhancers, a dash of Worcestershire sauce adds a lovely savory note. And don't forget fresh herbs! Parsley and thyme are amazing.

Equipment Needed

Right, what kitchen gear do we need for this Okra And Shrimp Recipe ? Not much, thankfully.

• A large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot. This is key for even cooking.
• A cutting board. No brainer.
• A chef's knife. Sharp is safer!
• Measuring cups and spoons. Gotta be precise, like Mary Berry would tell us.

Don't have a Dutch oven? A large, heavy pot will do just fine. Just keep an eye on the heat, so nothing sticks.

I've totally used a stockpot before, and it worked out grand. Now you're ready for How To Make Okra And Shrimp !

Southern Comfort: Let's Cook Up Some Smothered Okra With Shrimp!

Fancy a taste of the South? Smothered Okra With Shrimp is where it's at. Honestly, this Okra And Shrimp Recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl.

It’s proper comfort food, innit. Tender okra and juicy shrimp, simmered in a flavour packed tomato sauce. This is how to make Smothered Okra With Shrimp !

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place is Key

First things first, let’s get organised. Chop your 200g of onion, 150g bell pepper, and 100g celery. Mince your garlic.

Get all your spices ready: 5g Creole seasoning, 2.5g smoked paprika, and 1g cayenne if you're feeling brave. Open your canned tomatoes ( 800g crushed and 400g diced).

Measure out your chicken broth ( 240 ml ). Slice that 450g of okra and grab your 450g of shrimp.

Parsley chopped? Sorted.

step-by-step: Getting Down to Business

1. Aromatics First: Heat 30 ml olive oil in a Dutch oven. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery for 5- 7 minutes . Add garlic and spices. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Sauce Time: Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
3. Okra In: Add okra. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25- 30 minutes . Stir now and then.
4. Shrimp Ahoy!: Add the shrimp. Cook for 5- 7 minutes , until pink and opaque.
5. Finishing Touches: Stir in parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot! This Shrimp And Okra Casserole is getting real now.

Pro Tips for Okra and Shrimp Perfection

• Don't overcook the okra! Mushy okra is a no-go. Keep it tender. It should be slightly firm.
• Slimy Okra Alert! To avoid slime, soak sliced okra in vinegar for 30 minutes before cooking. Rinse it well after.
• Make it ahead! You can make the base of this Southern okra and shrimp dish a day in advance. Just add the shrimp right before serving.

Honestly, this Shrimp okra stew reminds me of my nan's cooking. This Lowcountry okra and shrimp dish is fantastic with rice or grits, and cornbread for dipping.

Try it out and let me know what you think of my Creole shrimp and okra recipe ! It's a proper one-pot wonder, and this one-pot shrimp and okra is a family favorite.

If you are brave, try the spicy shrimp and okra . Grab your plates. This Okra and shrimp with rice is ready.

Cheers to good food and good company!

Recipe Notes For The Best Smothered Okra With Shrimp

So, you're about to make my Smothered Okra With Shrimp ? Ace! Before you dive in, a few nuggets of wisdom I've picked up along the way making my Okra And Shrimp Recipe .

Think of these as little cheats, especially useful if you're trying to figure out How To Make Okra And Shrimp awesome.

I've been tinkering with this recipe for ages, and trust me, these tips matter.

Lovely Serving Suggestions

Right, let's talk presentation. Plating Southern okra and shrimp is easy. A big bowl is the way to go. Serve it piping hot over fluffy white rice.

Honestly, it's screaming out for some crusty bread or cornbread. Then you're ready for mopping up all that lush sauce.

Simple green salad on the side? Bang on! A refreshing counterpoint, innit. If you are looking for the perfect Shrimp And Okra Casserole , make sure it is well coated in the sauce!.

Keeping it Fresh: Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Shrimp okra stew tastes even better the next day. Pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to three days.

To reheat, gently warm it on the hob or in the microwave. Freezing isn't ideal because the okra can get a bit mushy.

But, if you have to, freeze for up to a month. Thaw completely before reheating.

Swapsies: Variations

Fancy a tweak? No worries! For a veggie version, ditch the shrimp, and add black eyed peas or butter beans. Works a treat! If you are trying a Lowcountry okra and shrimp recipe, you should have some good quality shrimp.

You can easily turn it into a Creole shrimp and okra recipe by adding jalapeno, or some proper hot sauce.

Try some different spice to add some variation, such as a Spicy shrimp and okra . This also works if you decide to convert it into a One-pot shrimp and okra recipe.

Grub's Up: Nutrition Basics

Okra? Full of fibre! Shrimp? Packed with protein! This Okra and shrimp with rice is a winner. Each serving is about 280 calories , 25g protein , and 5g of fibre .

That's a decent, nutritious meal, if you ask me. Plus, it's blooming delicious.

Alright, you're armed with all the knowledge you need. Now go forth and cook up a storm! Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

You'll have the perfect Smothered Okra With Shrimp ready in no time. Enjoy!