Okra stew with chicken, sausage, shrimp and crawfish tails, onion and green peppers

Cajun-Inspired Okra Stew with Chicken, Sausage, Shrimp, and Crawfish Tails Recipe

Introduction:

Indulge in the flavors of the Bayou with this Cajun-inspired Okra Stew. Packed with a medley of chicken, sausage, shrimp, and crawfish tails, this stew is a celebration of Southern comfort and Louisiana spices.

Ingredients:

For the Stew:

• 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, diced
• 1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound crawfish tails, peeled
• 2 cups fresh okra, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For Serving:

• Cooked white rice
• Chopped green onions for garnish
• Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

Preparing the Stew:

1. Searing the Chicken and Sausage:
   • In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and sliced sausage. Sear until the chicken is browned on all sides and the sausage is slightly crispy.
2. Aromatics and Veggies:
   • Add chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
3. Tomatoes and Broth:
   • Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice. Add chicken broth, bay leaf, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmering Goodness:
   • Bring the stew to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
5. Okra and Seafood Addition:
   • Add the sliced okra, shrimp, and crawfish tails to the pot. Continue simmering for an additional 10-15 minutes until the okra is tender, and the seafood is cooked.

Serving:

1. Perfect Pairing:
   • Serve the Cajun Okra Stew over a bed of cooked white rice.
2. Garnishing:
   • Garnish with chopped green onions for freshness and a pop of color.
3. Spice it Up:
   • For those who enjoy an extra kick, add hot sauce to taste.