6 cps. of Stock (shrimp or chicken)
1 large Guinness (dark) beer
3 chicken breasts (skinless/boneless)
1 lb. med size Shrimp
2 bell peppers
1 med onion
lots of garlic
1 bunch of green onions (separate green from bottom)
2 carrots
2 stalks celery
1 dozen fresh okra pods (or 1/2 bag frozen/cut)
1/4 cp. leeks
6 slices of turkey bacon (or pork if preferred)
2 cps. Turkey Kielbasa or andouille sausage
1/4 cp. Worchester sauce
5 bay leaves
1 T. smoked paprika
1 T. old bay seasoning
1 t. cayenne pepper
2 T. File` powder (ground sassafras leaves)
fresh thyme and cilantro
Salt and Pepper

Roux:
1/2 cp. Flour
4 T. Butter (room temp)
The Roux is the most important part of a great gumbo. A well tended roux is the key. Once you begin the roux, you must stir it till it's done; no phone chats or feeding the cats. Begin with butter in a heated pan. It should be warm enough to melt the butter, but not burn it. You want the butter to sizzle until the frothy milk solids begin to dissipate. Once the butter is melted and begins changing to a deeper shade, sprinkle the flour while stirring with a whisk. Once all of the flour has been added, continue to stir constantly, ensuring an even color and consistency (no lumps). Don't forget to stir from the bottom and keep the sides of the pan clean. If you see black specks at this stage, you must start over. Once the roux is chocolate in color and even (you're looking for a consistency of creamy peanut butter), remove it from heat and place in a small bowl.
As I sit here, sipping a smokey glass of Pinotage in front of a blazing fire with, Coleman Hawkins playing softly in the background. I realize, winter has its good points too. Life is good... isn't it? See you in the new year. Cheers.
i am going to try your stew. thanks for the recipe.
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