Succulent Shrimp and Okra Medley

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh-cut okra, sliced into bite-sized pieces
• 5 vine tomatoes or Roma tomatoes (2 extra-large tomatoes can also be used)
• 2 pounds colossal raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste or 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped onions
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 cups water or broth
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 3 bay leaves

Directions:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Slice okra, cut tomatoes, peel, devein, and wash shrimp, and chop onions.
   Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook shrimp in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high
   heat until lightly pink (about 6 minutes). Set shrimp aside.
2. Smothered Okra Preparation: In the same saucepan, add okra and onions. Cover and cook for
   20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Mix in tomatoes, then add tomato paste, Cajun seasoning,
   garlic, ground ginger, cumin, red pepper flakes, basil, parsley, and water. Stir to combine. Add bay leaves.
4. Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to
   prevent sticking.
5. Incorporate Shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp and continue to cook for an additional 10-15
   minutes.
6. Serve: Warm with rice and enjoy this flavorful smothered okra with shrimp dish.