- 01
Start by boiling shrimp in salted water for five minutes, after which drain, peel and devein the shrimp. Set aside the shrimp and shrimp water for later. Crush the shrimp heads and shells in a pot, transfer them to shrimp water, and boil at a full rolling boil for 15 minutes. Strain the liquid and set it aside.
- 02
Cook the chicken by boiling it in salted water, then remove and dice the skin, and remove the meat from the bones.
- 03
Make a dark roux in a big skillet with flour and oil, then sauté the onions, green peppers, scallions, garlic, and celery until soft and translucent. Next, add the okra and cook until it softens.
- 04
Transfer the mixture into a large stew pot to which you add all the previously prepared: shrimp water, chicken stock, chicken meat, and skin. While you’re doing this the heat under the pot should not be on.
- 05
Fry the bacon and the diced country ham in a clean skillet until browned. Drain and crumble the bacon, then together with ham add to the stew pot.
- 06
Season the flour with spices, namely salt, pepper, paprika, basil, thyme, and parsley, and coat the beef meat. Sauté the meat in bacon grease until all sides are browned, and add to the stew pot.
- 07
Place the washed live crabs in a pot, cover them with boiling water and cook for 20 minutes. When cooked, transfer the crab water to the stew pot, as well as the large claws that you’ve broken off. Add as well the crab fat that you’ve scraped from the outer shell. Remove the dead man’s fingers, small claws, and apron.
- 08
Crush the crab shells, boil them in water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to the stew pot. Halve the remaining crabs by breaking them, and together with oyster liquid, add to the stew pot.
- 09
Finish by adding tomatoes, ham bone, and all the seasonings. If the liquid is not about 2 inches (5cm) over all the ingredients, add more, be it chicken stock, shrimp stock, oyster liquor, crab stock or just water.
- 10
Now turn the heat on the stove and let it simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours while occasionally stirring.
- 11
Ten minutes before serving, add the oysters and shrimp, taste, and add salt if needed.
- 12
Serve over a bowl of rice.