Sautéed Shrimp and Okra
I was inspired to cook up this dish after seeing the wonderful Netflix series “HIGH ON THE HOG”. Without going in to a lot of detail, I’ll just say, watch this show. You will become educated and inspired to cook some wonderful Lowcountry Gallah food. Fresh okra and good quality shrimp were made for each other and this simple stir-fry is a real treat. Served over some fragrant rice or tasty grits, it’s a nutritious meal.
Serves 4 Heat Level: Mild
3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil or as needed11/2 lbs. fresh okra, trimmed, cut to 1” pieces1/2 cup white onion, diced2—3 tsp. garlic, minced1 jalapeño chile, chopped (deseed if preferred)1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped2 stalks celery, sliced thin1 cup tomatoes, diced1 tsp. ginger, grated3 Tbsp. flat leaf parsley, chopped1/2 tsp. thyme leaf1 tsp white pepper, freshly ground1/2 tsp. sea salt or to taste
1. Heat 1 Tbsp. of oil in a large heavy skillet over medium high heat. Add the okra and sautée until it is evenly browned; transfer to a bowl and set aside2. Add more oil to the skillet and sauté the shrimp until it turns pink. Transfer to the bowl with the okra.3. Oil the skillet and sauté the onion, garlic, chile, bell pepper and celery about 5—8 minutes or until tender. Stir in the tomatoes, herbs, salt and pepper.4. Now reduce heat to medium and stir in the okra and shrimp; cook for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.Serve over a plate of fragrant jasmine rice or white grits.
Regarding Fragrant Rice
Although I like to eat brown rice for the healthbenifits, there are some dishes where white rice is key to the overall enjoyment of the meal. Add 2 or 3 Mediterranean bay leaves to a pot of rice (for 4 servings). It will lend a delicate fragrance to be savored. Also excellent with a pot of white pozole or grits. I urge you to give it a try.
© 2021 Larry Noggle www.peppahead.com