½cupghee (clarified butter)divided (or tallow or bacon fat)
2cupsfrozen okrasliced and thawed
½cupall-purpose flour
1medium yellow onionchopped
1medium bell pepperseeded and chopped
2stalks celerychopped
2cloves garlicminced
2bay leaves
1poundsausagesliced
5sprigsfresh thyme
1tablespooncoconut aminos
Sea saltto taste
White or black pepperto taste
2poundsshrimppeeled, deveined, and rinsed
4cupscooked rice
1-2teaspoonsfilé powder
Fresh parsleyto garnish
Instructions
Make the seafood gumbo stock
In a large soup pot, place all of the seafood gumbo stock ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the stock through a large fine-mesh strainer. Set aside. If not using right away, the stock can be cooled and stored in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Make the mild Creole seasoning
In a small bowl, stir together all of the Mild Creole Seasoning ingredients until well combined.
Fry the okra
Heat 2 tablespoons of the ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the okra and fry for a few minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the okra to a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the roux
Whisk together the remaining ghee and the flour in a large soup pot over medium-low heat until for 25 minutes. Whisk constantly, until it turns a rich brown color. Watch closely, being careful not to burn the roux. Remove from the heat and continue whisking until it cools down.
Cook the gumbo
Place the soup pot containing the roux back on the stove. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and the mild creole seasoning. If you like more seasoning, feel free to increase the amount of spices used. Cook and stir for 5 minutes over medium heat, or until the onions have softened. Add the garlic and bay leaves.
Increase the heat to medium-high heat. While whisking or stirring constantly, add the seafood gumbo stock, a few cups at a time. Add the okra, sausage, thyme, and coconut aminos. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the shrimp. Cook for 10 more minutes. Stir in the filé powder.
Ladle 2 cups of the hot gumbo into each bowl. Add one cup of rice in the center of each bowl. Enjoy!
Notes
Note: Cool any remaining gumbo by placing the soup pot in an ice bath, then transfer to a covered container and refrigerate immediately to prevent spoilage.