Hannah's Shrimp Gumbo

Hannah's Shrimp Gumbo Recipe - Authentic Cajun Dish from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hannah's Shrimp Gumbo is a classic Southern dish that is packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines fresh shrimp, smoked sausage, okra, and a variety of vegetables to create a hearty and satisfying meal.

History

Shrimp gumbo has its roots in Louisiana Creole cuisine, where it is a staple dish. Gumbo is a dish that has been influenced by a variety of cultures, including African, French, Spanish, and Native American. It is traditionally made with a roux, which is a mixture of flour and fat that is used to thicken the soup base.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) fresh shrimp, deveined
4 cup sliced smoke sausage
3 cup sautéed young okra
4 green onions, chopped
1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
2 large, fresh tomatoes, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
3 tbsp roux — made from 0.25 cup vegetable oil and 0.25 cup flour
red pepper
salt and pepper
vinegar to taste
hot sauce optional
2 cup uncooked white or brown rice (prefer white)

How to prepare

Prepare a roux to thicken the soup base.
Add all the ingredients and let it simmer for approximately one hour. This is a simple and straightforward method.

Variations

Add diced chicken or sausage for a different protein option.
Use different vegetables, such as bell peppers, corn, or carrots, to customize the gumbo to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to devein the shrimp before adding them to the gumbo.

- Sautéing the okra before adding it to the gumbo helps to reduce its sliminess.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper, pepper, vinegar, and hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hannah's Shrimp Gumbo over a bed of white or brown rice for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the gumbo for an hour allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh shrimp, you can use frozen shrimp that has been thawed. You can also use chicken or sausage instead of shrimp.

Make Ahead Tips

Hannah's Shrimp Gumbo can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hannah's Shrimp Gumbo in a bowl with a side of rice and garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Hannah's Shrimp Gumbo with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Hannah's Shrimp Gumbo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hannah's Shrimp Gumbo contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hannah's Shrimp Gumbo contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hannah's Shrimp Gumbo contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Hannah's Shrimp Gumbo contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Hannah's Shrimp Gumbo is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and gluten (flour).

Summary

Hannah's Shrimp Gumbo is a well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hannah's Shrimp Gumbo is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with fresh shrimp, smoked sausage, and a variety of vegetables, this gumbo is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was given to me by my dear friend Hannah, who hailed from the bayous of Louisiana. She had a way with cooking that was truly magical, and her shrimp gumbo was no exception.

I met Hannah many years ago when I was visiting New Orleans for a vacation. We struck up a conversation at a local farmer's market, and soon enough, we were swapping recipes like old friends. Hannah's shrimp gumbo was a recipe that she held near and dear to her heart, and I could see why.

The ingredients were simple yet flavorful: shrimp, okra, bell peppers, onions, celery, and a host of spices that danced on your taste buds. Hannah explained to me that the key to a good gumbo was patience and love. She would spend hours stirring the pot, letting the flavors meld together in perfect harmony.

I watched in awe as she cooked, taking notes on every step and every ingredient. Hannah's hands moved with grace and precision, a testament to the years she had spent perfecting her craft. She shared stories of her childhood in Louisiana, where gumbo was a staple at every family gathering and celebration.

As the aromas filled her cozy kitchen, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special. Hannah's shrimp gumbo was a dish that brought people together, a dish that warmed your soul from the inside out. I was determined to learn how to make it myself.

After many hours of cooking and tasting, Hannah finally deemed my gumbo ready. She ladled me a steaming bowl, and as I took my first bite, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. The flavors were familiar yet new, a symphony of taste that sang of the bayous and the bustling streets of New Orleans.

From that day on, I made it a point to visit Hannah whenever I could. We would spend hours in her kitchen, swapping stories and recipes, creating new culinary masterpieces together. She taught me the art of gumbo-making, passing down her knowledge and love for cooking with each stir of the pot.

Years passed, and Hannah's health began to decline. She could no longer stand for long periods of time, let alone cook a full meal. I knew that it was my turn to step up and carry on her legacy. I spent countless hours in my own kitchen, perfecting her shrimp gumbo recipe, adding my own twist here and there.

When I felt confident in my abilities, I invited Hannah over for dinner. As she took her first bite of my gumbo, a tear rolled down her cheek. She smiled at me, a smile that spoke volumes of gratitude and pride. In that moment, I knew that I had done her proud.

Hannah passed away not long after that dinner, leaving behind a legacy of love and food that would forever be ingrained in my heart. I dedicated a corner of my kitchen to her, where her handwritten recipe for shrimp gumbo hung proudly on the wall.

To this day, whenever I make Hannah's shrimp gumbo, I feel her presence in the room. The aroma of simmering spices and fresh seafood fills the air, reminding me of the friendship we shared and the bond we forged over a shared love of food.

I may have learned how to make shrimp gumbo from Hannah, but the lessons she taught me went beyond the kitchen. She taught me the importance of patience, love, and perseverance in all aspects of life. And for that, I will be forever grateful.

So, the next time you find yourself in need of a comforting meal that warms your soul, look no further than Hannah's shrimp gumbo. I can assure you that with each spoonful, you will taste a little bit of magic and a whole lot of love.