Okra Stew With Chicken, Sausage, Shrimp

Ingredients:

Okra

Smoked sausage

Shrimp

Crawfish tails

Chicken wings

Onion

Green bell pepper

Roasted red pepper

Chicken stock

Cajun seasoning

Onion powder

Garlic powder

Poultry seasoning

2 quarts fresh okra, sliced (PicSweet Frozen will work if fresh Is not available, just not as good as fresh)

1 pound small to medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 cups diced tomatoes

¼ cup vegetable oil

3 to 4 cloves chopped garlic

1 cup diced onions

1 cup diced celery

½ cup diced yellow bell peppers

½ cup chicken stock or shrimp stock if available

Slap Ya Mama to taste or salt and cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a 4-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat.

Sauté okra, onions, celery, bell peppers and chopped garlic approximately 30 minutes.

Stir constantly until okra stops “stringing.”

Stir in tomatoes and chicken stock, bring to a low boil and cook approximately 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add shrimp and continue to cook additional 15–20 minutes.

Season to taste.

Cooking Tips:

Cajun Trinity: You may have come across recipes calling for this, and wonder what it is. It’s simply three ingredients used to start many Cajun dishes ; bell pepper, onions, and celery. These give dishes a wonderful flavor and aroma.

Making a roux: Making a roux is time consuming and needs to be watched carefully! It can burn easily, so stir often. If it burns, you have to throw it out and start all over again.

Stirring Constantly: Stir the ingredients constantly while sautéing to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Use of Frozen Okra: While fresh okra is preferred for optimal flavor and texture, frozen okra can be a convenient substitute when fresh okra is not available.

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Adjusting Seasoning: Taste the stew before serving and adjust the seasoning according to personal preference. Cajun seasoning adds spice, but salt and pepper can be used alternatively.

Variations: Feel free to customize the stew by adding additional vegetables, such as carrots or corn, or adjusting the protein ratios to suit personal tastes.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the stew hot as a main dish, accompanied by rice, crusty bread, or cornbread for a satisfying meal.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Okra Stew, and what makes it unique?

Okra Stew is a flavorful Southern dish featuring a combination of okra, meats (chicken, shrimp, crawfish, and smoked sausage), and a variety of seasonings.

Its uniqueness lies in the blend of ingredients and the traditional Cajun seasoning.

Can I use frozen okra in Okra Stew?

Yes, you can use frozen okra if fresh is unavailable.

However, keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly from fresh okra.

Opt for PicSweet Frozen or another trusted brand.

What is the role of “Slap Ya Mama” in this recipe?

“Slap Ya Mama” is a Cajun seasoning that adds a spicy and flavorful kick to the stew.

You can adjust the quantity to taste or use salt and cracked black pepper as an alternative.

How do I prevent okra from becoming slimy in the stew?

To minimize okra’s sliminess, sauté it with onions, celery, and bell peppers for about 30 minutes.

Stir constantly until the okra stops “stringing” before adding tomatoes and chicken stock.

Can I substitute chicken stock with shrimp stock in Okra Stew?

Yes, you can use shrimp stock if available.

It can enhance the seafood flavor in the stew.

If not, chicken stock works well too.

What’s the purpose of the diced tomatoes in this recipe?

Diced tomatoes add a rich, tangy flavor to the stew.

They contribute both acidity and sweetness, balancing the dish’s overall taste.

Can I use boneless chicken instead of chicken wings?

Certainly! While chicken wings add depth of flavor, boneless chicken pieces work too.

Adjust cooking times accordingly.

How important is constant stirring during the sautéing process?

Constant stirring helps reduce okra’s sliminess and ensures even cooking of vegetables.

It’s a crucial step to enhance the overall texture of the stew.

How do I know when the stew is ready to add the shrimp?

After cooking okra, onions, and other vegetables for about 45 minutes, add shrimp and continue cooking for an additional 15–20 minutes or until the shrimp turns opaque, indicating it’s cooked.

Can I prepare Okra Stew ahead of time?

Yes, Okra Stew often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

You can prepare it in advance and reheat before serving, allowing the ingredients to further infuse their flavors.