Seafood Gumbo Stock

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) of mixed seafood (such as shrimp, fish, crab, lobster)
• 1 cup (235 ml) of chopped celery
• 1 cup (235 ml) of chopped bell peppers
• 1 cup (235 ml) of chopped green onions
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) of chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon of dried basil
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups (960 ml) of water or chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning or Creole seasoning mix
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for cooking

Preparation Time: 2 hours (includes preparation and cooking time)

Cooking Time: 1 hour

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Prepare all vegetables by chopping and cleaning thoroughly.
2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil and add the seafood, cooking until the shrimp turns pink. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add the chopped vegetables, oregano, basil, bay leaves, and chicken stock or water to the pot. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the flavors are well combined.
5. Add the minced garlic and seasoning mix. Simmer for another 15 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
7. Strain the stock and discard the solids. Your seafood gumbo stock is now ready to use in your gumbo recipe or to enjoy on its own.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming equal distribution of ingredients) Calories: Approx. 300-400 calories depending on the type of seafood used and portion size. Fat: Moderate fat content due to the use of oil and seafood. Carbohydrates: Low carbohydrate content due to the main ingredients being primarily protein-rich seafood and vegetables. Protein: High protein content due to the use of seafood.

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and flavorful stock with a unique Cajun or Creole seasoning profile.
• The dish showcases a combination of seafood and traditional American southern flavors.
• Versatile dish that can be used as a base for gumbo or enjoyed as a standalone dish.

User Comments:

• "This dish was amazing! The flavors were so rich and delicious."
• "I love the combination of seafood and traditional southern flavors in this dish."
• "The stock was so flavorful and made my gumbo taste even better."
• "This is a great dish for people who love seafood and American southern cuisine."
• "The preparation was easy, and the dish was a hit with my family!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to clean the seafood thoroughly before cooking.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste. Start with small amounts of seasoning and add more if needed.
• Use fresh ingredients for best results. If not available, frozen ingredients can be used but make sure to check their expiration dates.