Warm Gumbo Dip

Just like any good Louisiana gumbo, this dip is thick and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 6 green onions, sliced
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 1 cup chopped assorted bell peppers
• 1 1/2 pounds peeled, large raw shrimp, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, pressed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
• 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese
• 3/4 cup sliced pickled okra
• 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• Toasted French bread baguette slices

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat; add green onions and next 2 ingredients. Cook, stirring occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes or until peppers are tender. Stir in shrimp and next 2 ingredients; cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low; add cream cheese, stirring until cheese is melted. Remove from heat, and stir in okra and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Spoon mixture into a 2-qt. baking dish, and sprinkle with remaining 2 Tbsp. cheese.

2. Bake at 400° for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve with bread.

Southern Living
SEPTEMBER 2012