Shrimp, Okra and Andouille Smoked Sausage Gumbo
 

• 1/3 c Pork lard (preferred, chicken-fat or vegetable oil)
• 2 1/2 lb Okra, quartered lengthwise and sliced
• 1 1/2 ts White pepper
• 1 1/2 ts Ground red pepper (cayenne)
• 1 ts Black pepper
• 2 c Finely chopped onions
• 10 c Basic Seafood Stock
• 2 c Peeled and chopped tomatoes
• 2 ts Salt
• 1 ts Minced garlic
• 3/4 ts Onion powder
• 1/2 ts Dried thyme leaves
• 1/4 lb Unsalted butter
• 1 lb Andouille smoked sausage
• 1 lb Peeled medium shrimp
• 1/2 c Finely chopped green onions
• 2 1/4 c Basic Cooked Rice

In a 5 1/2-quart saucepan or large Dutch oven (preferably cast iron), melt the fat over high heat until it begins to smoke, about 3 minutes. Add 6 cups of the okra. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 1 teaspoon of the white pepper, 1 teaspoon of the red pepper and the black pepper; stir well. Continue cooking until well browned, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the onions; cook for 5 minutes, stirring fairly often and scraping pan bottom as needed. Add 1 cup of the stock; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping pan bottom well. Stir in the tomatoes and cook about 8 minutes, stirring and scraping frequently. Add another 2 cups stock; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon white pepper, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper and the salt, garlic, onion powder and thyme. Add the butter and continue cooking over high heat, stirring until butter is melted and scraping the pan bottom well. Add the remaining 7 cups stock, stirring well. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Add the andouille and return to a boil; reduce heat and simmer about 45 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Add the remaining 2 1/2 cups okra; simmer 10 minutes. Then add the shrimp and green onions. Return gumbo to a boil, then remove from heat. Skim any oil from the surface and serve immediately. To serve, place a mounded 1/4 cup rice in the center of each serving bowl; spoon 1 1/2 cups gumbo around the rice. Serve half that amount for an appetizer.