Mozambique Fried Okra with Shrimp

== Ingredients ==
=== Okra ===
* 2 quarts vegetable oil, for frying
* 2 lbs okra, both ends trimmed and halved lengthwise
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 4 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21 – 25 count)
* 2 tablespoons spice essence
* 1 cup onions, finely chopped
* 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
* 2 cups tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
* ⅓ cup piri-piri
* ¾ reduced shrimp stock
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves, chopped
* 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
=== Piri Piri ===
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* ½ cup olive oil
* 5 garlic cloves, smashed
* 4 cayenne chile peppers, stemmed, ribs and seeds removed and rough chopped or other red hot peppers
* ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
* ½ teaspoon salt
=== Essence (Creole seasoning) ===
* 2½ tablespoons paprika
* 2 tablespoons salt
* 2 tablespoons garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon onion powder
* 1 tablespoon cayenne powder
* 1 tablespoon dried oregano
* 1 tablespoon dried thyme
== Directions ==
# Preheat oven 360°F.
=== Okra ===
# Place the vegetable oil in a large 6 – 8 quart stockpot.
# Fry the okra in half pound batches for 1½ to 2 minutes and drain on paper-lined sheet pan.
# Sprinkle with salt and allow to cool while you continue to fry the remaining okra.
# Once all the okra has been fried, heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat.
# Add the olive oil to the pan.
# Season the shrimp with the essence and add half of the shrimp to the hot pan.
# Sear the shrimp for 3 minutes, turning halfway through cook time.
# Transfer the shrimp to a platter and repeat with the remaining shrimp.
# Once all the shrimp are seared, remove from pan.
# Add the onion to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted and translucent, 3 to 4 minutes.
# Add the garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds.
# Add the tomatoes, piri piri.
# 1 teaspoon of salt and the shrimp stock.
# Return the shrimp and okra to the pan and cover.
# Continue to cook the shrimp and okra until the shrimp are curled and pink, and the okra is soft and tender, about 5 minutes.
# Remove the cover from the pan and add the parsley and cilantro, stir to blend.
# Serve over hot steamed rice.
=== Piri Piri ===
# Heat a small sauté pan over medium-high heat.
# Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
# Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and peppers to the pan.
# Saute, stirring often, until the edges of the garlic start to turn brown, 3 – 4 minutes.
# Add the lemon juice to the pan, and remove from heat.
# Place the contents of the saute pan in a blender and add the salt.
# Puree the peppers and garlic in a blender until mostly smooth.
# Drizzle the remaining ½ cup of olive oil through the feed tube of the lid of the blender.
# Let cool before using, and store refrigerated in airtight container. (yield ¾ cup)
=== Essence (Creole seasoning) ===
# Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in airtight container.
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Category:Celebrity Recipes
Category:Fresh chile pepper Recipes
Category:Garlic Recipes
Category:Onion Recipes
Category:Shrimp Recipes
Category:Tomato Recipes
Category:Lemon juice Recipes
Category:Mozambican Meat Dishes
Category:Okra Recipes
Category:Oregano Recipes
Category:Recipes that need photos