Jj Johnson Gumbo Food

HOT LINKS

Steps:

• Preheat a large grill pan over high heat until almost smoking.
• Put the hot links split-side down on one side of the grill pan and grill over medium-high heat until some char marks appear, 4 to 5 minutes per side.
• Meanwhile, brush the other side of the grill pan with canola oil. Add the onions and grill, tossing with tongs occasionally, until softened and golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Add the garlic, paprika, cayenne and cloves to the onions and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute.
• Reduce the heat to low. Add the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, 1/3 cup water, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring frequently to make sure the bottom doesn't burn, until tender, 15 minutes.
• Put the buns, split-side down, on the grill pan and grill until lightly toasted, 30 seconds per side.
• Serve the hot links in the toasted buns, smothered with the barbecued onions.

SEAFOOD GUMBO

Steps:

• Make the spice mix: Place all ingredients in a bowl and stir until combined. Set aside 2 tablespoons to add to the gumbo and reserve the rest for another use in an airtight container.
• Make the gumbo: In a heavy 4- to 5-quart pot, heat the butter and oil over medium heat. Once the butter begins to bubble slightly, add the flour and stir with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula to form a smooth paste.
• Cook the mixture, stirring continuously, for 10 to 13 minutes to make a chocolate-colored roux. Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the pot to avoid burning. It is important to keep a very close eye on the roux during this step. The roux can go from a nutty color and aroma to burnt beyond repair in a matter of minutes. Lower the heat as needed.
• Immediately add the onion, garlic, celery, bell pepper and tomatoes and stir well. The vegetables will stop the roux from overcooking and burning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to stick to the pan, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the dried shrimp, if using, tomato paste and 2 tablespoons spice mix and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes.
• While whisking, slowly add the stock and whisk until the stock is completely blended with the roux and vegetable mixture. Add the okra, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce and let simmer for 50 minutes over very low heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. Add the lobster, crab, scallops and shrimp and simmer just until cooked through, about 10 minutes more.
• Season the gumbo to taste with salt and pepper and serve over rice.