Seafood Gumbo

Preparation

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add okra and cook, stirring often, until it starts to turn dark brown, 18 to 22 minutes. Add vinegar and cook, stirring frequently, until the okra is browned and no longer has “sticky strings” attached, 2 to 3 minutes more. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Heat the remaining 4 tablespoons oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring slowly and constantly, until the mixture smells very toasty and is the color of peanut butter, 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Add bell peppers, onions, 1 cup scallions, celery and garlic and cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are tender and lightly golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in the okra, tomatoes, stock (or water), ham, bay leaves, thyme, Worcestershire, hot sauce and salt. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer, adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain a slow, steady simmer, for 45 minutes.
4. Add shrimp and crabmeat to the pot and simmer, uncovered, until the shrimp are cooked through, about 8 minutes. Discard the bay leaves and thyme. Garnish with parsley and the remaining scallions.

Nutrition