Best Gullah Gumbo Recipes

ULTIMATE GULF COAST GUMBO

Steps:

• Peel and devein the shrimp and place in the refrigerator. Place shrimp heads and shells in a large pot, and cover with 2 quarts of water. Cover, and simmer over medium-low heat until liquid is reduced by half. Strain out and discard shrimp heads and shells. Reserve shrimp broth.
• Heat oil in a very large stockpot over medium-high heat. Stir in flour with a long-handled spoon. Cook and stir for several minutes until dark brown and flour is puffing and absorbing the oil. Slowly stir in chicken broth and an equal amount of water. Place chicken in the pot. Add onions, celery, bell pepper, tomatoes, garlic, bay leaves, red pepper flakes, Old Bay seasoning, and salt. Boil until chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Remove chicken from the pot, and set aside until cool enough to handle. Remove and discard bones, and chop chicken into 1 inch pieces.
• Return chicken back to the pot, along with reserved shrimp broth, crab meat, sausage, and shrimp. Add the file powder, and stir from the bottom of the pot. When the gumbo comes to a boil, remove from heat. Continue to stir from the bottom for 1 minute. Serve.

FRIED SHRIMP BASKETS

Steps:

• For the Gullah seasoning: Combine the paprika, salt, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, white pepper, thyme, sugar and cayenne in a paper bag and shake to mix up well.
• For the shrimp: Line a baking sheet with butcher or parchment paper. Pour the buttermilk in a bowl.
• Mix together the flour and 1 1/2 tablespoons Gullah seasoning in a bowl (reserve the remaining seasoning for another use).
• Dip the shrimp in the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture, shaking the bag to coat. Shake off the excess flour and place on the prepared baking sheet. Discard the buttermilk mixture but reserve the flour mixture.
• Place the oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pan and heat to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set a wire rack on top.
• Fry half the shrimp until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove to the prepared wire rack to drain. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
• Reduce the heat of the oil to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set a wire rack on top.
• For Mom's fries: Slice the potatoes into 1/2-inch-wide sticks. Add the potatoes to the flour mixture and shake until the potatoes are coated. Drop a few in the oil. Fry in batches until golden brown, flipping and stirring frequently, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove to the prepared wire rack to drain in a single layer.
• For the fry sauce (if using): Whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, dill and hot sauce in a medium bowl. Transfer to a serving dish and serve alongside the fries and shrimp.