Ultimate Time Consuming Seafood Gumbo


This recipe is based on another recipe i found on the internet. I made a few changes and added my own touches. It does take a long time, but it produces the richest flavor possible! I made a double batch of this last night and had 12 people over for dinner. They all declared that it's the best gumbo they have ever had!!

Steps


Stock: bake shrimp shells at 375 degrees f until dried and starting to brown on edges.
About 15 to 20 minutes.
Put everything into an 8-quart pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and cook 5 hours , uncovered.
When stock is cooled , drain all liquid from the vegetables , then discard all solids.
Gumbo: combine the cayenne , white and black peppers , paprika , thyme , oregano , bay leaf and salt in small bowl.
In a heavy pot , 6 quart or larger , heat oil over medium heat until hot.
Add onions , celery , and green bell peppers.
Turn heat to high , stirring frequently.
Add garlic , file powder , and the pepper-herb mixture.
Cook for 5 minutes , stirring constantly.
Add tomato sauce and stock , bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes , stirring occasionally.
Add okra and sausage and simmer for 30 more minutes , stirring occasionally.
When ready to serve , add all seafood and cook for 3 minutes.
Turn off heat , and let stand for 10 minutes , covered.
.

Ingredients


shrimp shells, water, carrots, onions, celery, bay leaves, garlic cloves, fresh parsley, whole cloves, ground black pepper, dried basil, dried thyme, ground cayenne pepper, white pepper, paprika, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, vegetable oil, green bell peppers, garlic, file powder, tomato sauce, stock, okra, andouille sausage, crabmeat, crawfish tail, shrimp, hot pepper sauce, salt & pepper, creole seasoning