Emeril's Gumbo

By rsberkenbile

Ingredients

• 1/4 c. vegetable oil
• 2 lbs. okra, washed in cold water, caps removed, cut into 1/4 inch rounds
• Emeril's Essence
• 2 c. tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
• 1 c. chopped onion
• 1 c. chopped celery
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper
• 5 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves
• 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 8 c. water
• 2 lbs. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 c. cooked white rice, warm
• 2 Tbsp. chopped green onion

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oil in a large pot. Fry okra, stirring constantly, 10-12 minutes, or until most of the slime disappears. Season with Essence. Add tomatoes, onions and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 18-20 minutes, or until vegetables are wilted. Add salt, cayenne, bay leaves, thyme, garlic and water. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook 15 minutes. Add shrimp and cook 30 minutes more. Serve over rice and garnish with green onion and essence.