Smothered Okra-And-Gulf Shrimp Stew Recipe By Chef Justin Simoneaux

Ingredients

• 1 pound 16- or 20-count Gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined, shells reserved
• 1 cup diced thick-sliced bacon, about 6 slices (½ pound)
• 1 medium white onion, diced
• 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cups diced ripe tomatoes (canned is fine)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 pound okra, cut into ½-inch pieces (about 3½ cups)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon salt, plus more for seasoning
• Pinch cayenne pepper
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Directions

1. Put the shrimp shells in a medium saucepan and cover with 2 quarts of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce so the liquid is simmering; let simmer 20 minutes while prepping the rest of the ingredients. Strain and reserve.
2. Heat a 6-quart pot, preferably cast-iron, over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon has started to crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the onion and cook until it has begun to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly so that the tomato paste doesn't burn. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, okra, bay leaf and 3 cups of the reserved shrimp stock.
3. Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 20 minutes or until the okra is tender; if the stew becomes too thick, add more of the reserved shrimp stock. Add the shrimp, 1 tablespoon salt and the cayenne and cook for another 10 minutes. Add more salt if necessary and serve over steamed rice.