posted by Cynthia 04-02-99 1:35 PM
Cajun Gumbo by Cynthia
2/3 cup oil
2/3 up flour
1 rounded Tablespoon thyme
3 - 4 bay leaves
garlic powder to taste
3 - 4 Tablespoons salt and pepper
1 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
3/4 cup bell pepper, chopped
1 15- or 16-ounce can tomatoes
1 1/2 bunches green onions, chopped
1 pound okra, sliced (can use frozen - fresh is better)
2 8-inch CAJUN-STYLE smoked sausages (near the
polish sausage and hot dogs)
4 or 5 pices cooked bacon
water
8 ounces crabmeat
2 pounds peeled and deveined shrimp
file' powder
In microwave, mix oil and flour in a 4-cup pyrex measuring cup. Cook 3 minutes, stir.
Cook 2 more minutes, stir. Be careful - it is HOT! Begin cooking at 20 or 30 second intervals until the roux reaches a dark chocolate color.
If any black specks appear, throw out and start over.
Combine roux, spices, vegetables, sausages, and bacon in large pot.
Add 2 cups or more of boiling water (start with less, you can always add more and you don't want it thin like soup). It must be boiling or the hot roux will separate.
Stir quickly so roux will not separate. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
Add crabmeat and shrimp. Cook another 30 minutes or so. Remove from heat and add file' powder.
Ladle into bowls and top with hot cooked white rice.