Barb's Gumbo
This is a recipe for a hearty gumbo, which can be prepared with either shrimp or chicken according to preference. The dish begins with a traditional roux, to which a mix of vegetables is added. The stew is then simmered with broth, tomatoes, and a blend of seasonings. Okra and your chosen protein are stirred in before serving over cooked rice. The spice level can be adjusted to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1/3 cup celery, chopped
- 1/3 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
- 1 (16 ounce) can chopped tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon basil
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2-1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (Tabasco or cayenne pepper or to your taste.)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup canned corn or 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups okra, sliced (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2-1 lb shrimp, cleaned & shells off
- rice
Method
- Heat the oil in a skillet, then add the flour to create a roux.
- Cook the roux until it reaches a colour similar to a penny.
- This process should take about 15 minutes.
- Mix in the chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, and black pepper.
- Continue cooking for about 3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, then add the tomatoes, salt, Worcestershire sauce, pepper sauce, corn, okra, basil, thyme, cumin, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat.
- Place a lid on the skillet and let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Stir in the shrimp for the final 5 minutes of cooking.
- Spoon the finished gumbo over portions of rice.
- Chicken can be used as an alternative to shrimp.
- If using chicken, add chunks of breast meat for the last 20 to 30 minutes of simmering.
- Smoked sausage is a tasty addition when making the chicken version.
- For the shrimp gumbo, a can of crabmeat can also be included.
Nutrition (per serving)
Sodium1292700 mg
Recipe details
CategoryGumbo
AuthorBarb G.