SEAFOOD AND FRIED OKRA GUMBO

Seafood and Fried Okra Gumbo image

Provided by Food Network

Time 3h20m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 25

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3 1/2 quarts fish stock
2 ounces chopped garlic
5 bay leaves
5 sprigs fresh thyme
2 cups dark brown roux, recipe follows
1/2 cup file powder, dissolved in water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large onion, diced
1/2 bunch celery, diced
2 green bell peppers, diced
2 Creole tomatoes, seeded and diced
3/4 pound crawfish tails
1 pound medium shrimp
3/4 pound backfin crabmeat
Salt and pepper
Cayenne pepper
Fried Okra, recipe follows
1 cup margarine, melted
1 cup all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil, for frying
3 eggs
1 cup water
1 cup all-purpose flour, seasoned with salt and pepper
2 cups Cajun corn flour
2 cups okra, chopped

Steps:

In a 2-gallon saucepot, combine fish stock, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil. Add roux and allow to thicken. Reduce heat and simmer slowly. Add dissolved file powder and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, skimming frequently.
In separate saucepot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, peppers, and tomatoes, and saute until tender. Add seafood and cook for another 10 minutes, being cautious not to overcook. Add this mixture to the gumbo base and simmer for another 10 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper, to taste.
Ladle into bowls and top each with 3 or 4 pieces of fried okra.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Pour melted margarine into a baking pan, and mix in flour evenly. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until a dark brown color.
Fill a large, heavy pot halfway full with oil. Heat oil to 350 degrees F.
Mix eggs and water in a bowl. Put flour in a separate bowl. Put corn flour in a separate bowl. Dip okra in flour, then eggs, and then corn flour. Carefully add okra to oil and deep fry for 5 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.