T
here are two spiritual dangers in not owning a farm. One is the danger of supposing that breakfast comes from the grocery, and the other that heat comes from the furnace.
Aldo Leopold

10 December 2010

Cagey's Alligator Gumbo

Cagey’s Alligator Gumbo

Bow-hunting for alligators in in some states is legal and fun. Thanks to Barry for the alligator meat used in this recipe.

Ingredients:
2 pounds alligator meat, cut in thin strips approx. 1"long x 1/4"thick
3/4 pound butter
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 stalks celery, chopped

4 carrots, chopped

½ cup of fresh sliced mushrooms

1/2 cup red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 large cans stewed tomatoes ( I like yellow)
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)

1 tablespoon of olive oil

½ cup of Kentucky bourbon

Pinch of brown sugar

Directions:
Sauté onions, garlic, peppers, carrots, mushrooms and celery in butter until soft in a cast iron dutch oven. Add other ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes covered. Lightly brown alligator strips with olive oil, bourbon, and seasonings in a cast iron skillet. Remove alligator meat from pan and reduce mixings. Add alligator meat and reduction sauce to pot and allow to cook over low heat until tender (approximately 1 hour). If gravy is too thick, add a little hot water. Serve over rice with hot buttered cornbread on the side.