Are you craving a delicious, comforting meal that’s also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This shrimp gumbo crock pot recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend gathering. Forget spending hours slaving over a hot stove; let your slow cooker work its magic and deliver a flavorful, authentic-tasting gumbo that will impress your family and friends. This easy recipe is packed with flavor, making it one of the best recipes for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Optional garnishes: green onions, chopped parsley
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step adds depth of flavor to your gumbo. Homemade cooking often benefits from taking the time to properly sauté aromatics.
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Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the shrimp, diced tomatoes, tomato soup, chicken broth, flour, Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
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Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the shrimp is cooked through and the flavors have melded beautifully. Remember, slow cooking allows for the development of rich, complex flavors – a key element of this delicious dish.
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Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve your flavorful gumbo hot over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions or chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal. This quick dinner idea is perfect for a weeknight meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Gumbo:
- For a thicker gumbo, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Don't overcook the shrimp, or they will become tough. They only need a few minutes to cook through.
Variations:
- Chicken Gumbo: Substitute 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the shrimp. Cook the chicken with the vegetables for the first hour before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Andouille Sausage Gumbo: Add 1 pound of sliced andouille sausage to the slow cooker along with the vegetables.
- Seafood Gumbo: Add other types of seafood, such as crawfish or crab, along with the shrimp.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This easy shrimp gumbo recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals that are both delicious and convenient. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish! It's definitely one of the best recipes you'll add to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and easy recipes.