Christmas-Inspired Seafood Gumbo Recipe

Preparation Time: 25m
Cook Time: 40m
Total Time: 65m
Servings: 6

December 23, 2024 4.8

Infused with seasonal spices like nutmeg and cinnamon and garnished with a splash of red and green for that unmistakable holiday cheer, this hearty dish brings the spirit of Christmas to your dining table. Serve with warm crusty bread or fluffy rice to complete your festive feast.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup plain flour
1 onion, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, diced
1 green capsicum, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
4 cups seafood stock
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
A pinch of cinnamon
200 g prawns, peeled and deveined
200 g scallops
200 g fish fillets (cod or snapper), cut into chunks
1 cup sliced okra
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 lemon, juiced
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

1 Prepare the roux and aromatics
Heat oil in a large pot and whisk in flour. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the roux turns a rich caramel brown. Add onion, celery, capsicum, and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
2 Simmer the gumbo
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, seafood stock, bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, and a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Add the seafood, cranberries, and okra, cooking until the seafood is tender and cooked through.
3 Finish and serve
Remove bay leaves and stir in parsley and lemon juice. Serve over rice or with crusty bread, garnished with parsley and pomegranate seeds for a festive red-and-green finish.