Mama Mutt'S Okra Creole
Mama Mutt's Okra Creole is a flavorful Southern dish featuring tender okra, smoked sausage, and shrimp in a savory roux, perfect for hearty family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the okra in 1/2 cup of oil in a saucepan. Drain the okra, removing excess oil, and set aside.
- Using the remaining 1/2 cup of oil, make a roux by mixing in the flour and cooking until browned.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the roux and sauté for 3 minutes.
- Add sliced smoked sausage to the roux mixture.
- Add canned lima beans to the mixture.
- Pour in 2 cups of water and cook over medium heat for 25 minutes.
- Add fresh shrimp and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked okra and cook for 2 minutes longer.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the dish, you can add spices like cayenne or paprika for extra heat. If you're short on okra, consider using frozen okra as a substitute; just thaw and drain before cooking. For a vegetarian option, replace the smoked sausage with a plant-based alternative and omit the shrimp. This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mama Mutt's Okra Creole over a bed of fluffy white rice or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or coleslaw. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside seafood recipes like Crab-N-Cheese Fondue for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. You can also microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama Mutt'S Okra Creole contains roughly 825 calories, with 18g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1149mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen okra instead of fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen okra. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before browning to ensure the right texture in your dish.
What can I substitute for smoked sausage?
If you prefer a different protein or a vegetarian option, you can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or omit it entirely and add more vegetables for a lighter version.
How spicy is this dish?
The dish as written is not very spicy, but you can adjust the heat level by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste. Start with a small amount and increase gradually until it meets your preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).