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:
- 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. - Smothered Okra Preparation: In the same saucepan, add okra and onions. Cover and cook for
20 minutes, stirring occasionally. - 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. - Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to
prevent sticking. - Incorporate Shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp and continue to cook for an additional 10-15
minutes. - Serve: Warm with rice and enjoy this flavorful smothered okra with shrimp dish.