Smothered Okra with Shrimp is a delicious Southern-inspired dish that combines tender okra with succulent shrimp in a savory, flavorful gravy. This dish is rich, comforting, and full of flavor, making it a perfect meal when served over rice or with crusty bread. Here’s a simple recipe for Smothered Okra with Shrimp:
Ingredients:
For the Okra and Shrimp:
- 1 lb fresh or frozen okra, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (green or red), chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
For Serving:
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or your preferred variety)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Okra:
- If using frozen okra, thaw and drain it. If using fresh okra, wash and slice it into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced okra and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You may notice the okra releasing some liquid, which is normal. Continue to cook until it begins to soften and lightly brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
- In the same skillet, add the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside with the okra.
3. Make the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil or butter if needed. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Let the flour cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux (this will help thicken the gravy).
- Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken.
- If using, add the diced tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce, and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Combine the Okra, Shrimp, and Gravy:
- Return the cooked okra and shrimp to the skillet, stirring gently to combine. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the shrimp to heat through.
- Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or hot sauce if needed.
5. Serve:
- Serve the Smothered Okra with Shrimp over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor: You can add a splash of cream or coconut milk to the gravy to make it creamier.
- Add some heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add chopped fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy.
- Make ahead: The dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
This Smothered Okra with Shrimp is a comforting, flavorful dish that showcases the unique textures of okra and shrimp in a savory gravy. Enjoy it with family and friends for a delightful Southern-inspired meal!