Why Make This Recipe
Gumbo is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Louisiana cuisine right to your kitchen. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. With its rich blend of meats and vegetables, gumbo is hearty and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills!
How to Make Gumbo
Ingredients:
- 1 lb sausage
- 1 lb shrimp
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups okra, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
- Green onions for garnish
Directions:
- In a large pot, brown the sausage over medium heat.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the okra.
- Let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
How to Serve Gumbo
Serve gumbo hot, served over a scoop of fluffy cooked rice. Garnish with fresh green onions for added flavor and a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or cornbread for soaking up the delicious broth.
How to Store Gumbo
To store gumbo, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, gumbo can be frozen for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Gumbo
- For a richer taste, consider making your own chicken broth.
- Don’t skip the okra; it adds a unique flavor and thickness to the gumbo.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preference for spice level.
- If you prefer a thicker gumbo, let it simmer longer or add a small amount of flour mixed with water.
Variation
You can easily customize your gumbo by replacing shrimp with chicken or even adding crab. If you want a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers instead.
FAQs
1. Can I make gumbo in advance?
Yes, gumbo tastes even better the day after it’s made, as the flavors meld together nicely.
2. What can I serve with gumbo?
Gumbo is commonly served with white rice and can also be accompanied by cornbread or a fresh salad.
3. How do I reheat leftover gumbo?
Reheat gumbo in a pot on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a bowl, covered with a lid, for a quick option.
Gumbo
Ingredients
Meats
- 1 lb sausage Use andouille or your preferred sausage
- 1 lb shrimp Peeled and deveined
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups okra, sliced Adds a unique flavor
- 1 can diced tomatoes
Liquids
- 6 cups chicken broth Homemade broth gives richer taste
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust based on spice preference
- to taste Salt and pepper
For Serving
- Cooked rice For serving
- Green onions, chopped For garnish
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large pot, brown the sausage over medium heat.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the okra.
- Let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.