MamaS Cajun Gumbo

Ingredients

• 1 lb hot links cut in bite size pieces
• 4 Tbsp flour
• 2 lb plus shrimp peeled and cleaned
• 1 lb crabmeat
• bacon fat
• 2 stalks celery
• 2 bell peppers
• 3 medium onion
• 2 2 lb cans peeled tomatoes
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 Tbsp plus file

Directions

1. Start a pound or so of hot smoked stuffed sausage in a quart of water
2. Add shrimp and crabmeat
3. Let this mixture simmer while you dice celery bell peppers and onions
4. Fry these in bacon fat over low heat until done but not brown
5. A covered skillet is best for this
6. When done add to seafood mixture and continue simmering
7. Add tomatoes and tomato paste
8. In bacon fat brown four heaping tablespoons flour until very very brown
9. This roux is one of the flavor secrets of a good gumbo
10. Add roux to simmering mixture very carefully to avoid excessive steaming
11. Add one tablespoon of powdered gumbo file and taste
12. Add more file andor salt to suit your taste
13. Serve the gumbo in large bowls over fluffy white rice
14. Garlic-buttered French bread and tossed green salad usually complete the meal for our gumbo crowd
15. Serves about 10