**Louisiana Gumbo: A Symphony of Flavors from the Bayou**
Hailing from the vibrant heart of Louisiana, gumbo is a culinary masterpiece that embodies the rich cultural heritage of the bayou. This savory stew is a melting pot of flavors, a harmonious blend of African, French, Spanish, and Native American influences. In its essence, gumbo is a celebration of Louisiana's diverse culinary roots, a testament to the state's unique history and culture.
This article presents a tantalizing collection of gumbo recipes, each capturing the authentic spirit of this beloved dish. From the classic Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, bursting with succulent chicken and spicy sausage, to the Seafood Gumbo, brimming with an array of fresh shrimp, crab, and oysters, these recipes offer a culinary journey through the bayous of Louisiana.
For those seeking a vegetarian delight, the Vegetable Gumbo is a symphony of colorful vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. And for a taste of tradition, the Creole Gumbo, with its distinctive roux and okra, transports you to the heart of New Orleans' vibrant culinary scene.
With its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and heartwarming aromas, gumbo is a dish that captivates the senses and nourishes the soul. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, these recipes will guide you in creating an authentic Louisiana gumbo that will transport you to the heart of this vibrant state's culinary heritage.
CHICKEN & SHRIMP GUMBO
Chock-full of shrimp, chicken, sausage, okra and tomatoes, this flavorful stew is a staple in Louisiana. Make it a meal and serve with Real Cornbread (see associated recipe).
Provided by EatingWell Test Kitchen
Categories Healthy Chicken & Rice Recipes
Time 50m
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Heat a heavy cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the flour turns a deep golden color, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer the flour to a plate and let cool. (There will be a strong aroma similar to burnt toast. Be careful not to let the flour burn; reduce the heat if flour seems to be browning too quickly.) Alternately, toast the flour in a pie plate in a 400 degrees F oven for 20 minutes.
- Heat oil in a heavy stockpot over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic; sauté until the onions are lightly browned, about 7 minutes. Stir in the toasted flour. Gradually stir in broth and bring to a simmer, stirring. Add tomatoes, okra, pepper, thyme, oregano, cayenne and bay leaf. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in rice and cook, covered, for 15 minutes longer.
- Add shrimp, chicken and sausage; simmer until the shrimp is opaque inside, the chicken is no longer pink and the rice is tender, about 5 minutes longer. Discard the bay leaf and season with salt. Ladle into bowls.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 301 calories, Carbohydrate 38 g, Cholesterol 83 mg, Fat 6 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 23 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 634 mg, Sugar 5 g
LOUISIANA GUMBO
Louisiana Gumbo
Provided by Minute® Rice
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Louisiana Gumbo is a tasty southern-style favorite. We packed ours with Minute® Instant White Rice, shrimp, smoked turkey sausage, veggies and Cajun seasoning! Step 1
- Prepare rice according to package directions. Keep warm. Step 2
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Step 3
- Add bell peppers, celery, onions, and garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender. Step 4
- Stir in tomatoes, sausage, broth, okra, Cajun seasoning, and thyme. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Step 5
- Add shrimp and cook for 5 minutes, or until shrimp are pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with rice.
LOUISIANA GUMBO
This recipe certainly reflects our area of the country. It really is a meal in itself.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 2h35m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Place the chicken and water in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Skim fat. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 30-45 minutes or until chicken is tender. , Remove chicken; cool. Reserve 6 cups broth. Remove chicken from bones; cut into bite-size pieces. , In a Dutch oven or soup kettle, mix flour and oil until smooth; cook and stir over medium-low heat until browned, 2-3 minutes. Stir in the onions, peppers, celery and garlic; cook for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in the sausage, ham and reserved broth and chicken; cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. , Add the shrimp, okra, beans, salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce; cover and simmer 10 minutes longer or until shrimp turn pink.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 473 calories, Fat 22g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 94mg cholesterol, Sodium 646mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 29g protein.
DELICIOUS LOUISIANA GUMBO
This is so good stuff! All from scratch! No Zatarain's here! You can use any combination of meats, 1 1/2 lbs. or a half a pound of all three! MMMM mmm!
Provided by Amy H.
Categories Other Soups
Time 1h10m
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- 1. In a small skillet, add 2 Tbsp canola oil, brown chicken and sausage. Remove and set aside.
- 2. Add okra, garlic, onions and celery to skillet and saute until all veggies are wilted and onions are clear. Set aside.
- 3. a large dutch oven or soup pot add 1/4 cup of canola oil and 2 Tbsp. bacon grease. Heat over medium-high heat. (3-5 minutes)
- 4. Add flour and continually stir until flour browns to the color of peanut butter.
- 5. Stir in chicken broth, tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, Cajun seasoning, vegetables, chicken, and sausage. Stir well; simmer for 30 minutes.
- 6. Add shrimp and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes or until shrimp is pink and cooked through. Add more Cajun seasoning to taste if desired.
- 7. Remove bay leaf and serve in a hot bowl over 1/4 cup cooked white rice.
GULLAH GUMBO
One-pan meals are a staple of Gullah cuisine. My gumbo is not to be missed. This dish takes time, but let me tell you-you can taste the love in every bite. I like to serve my Crab Rice over the top of the gumbo for an impressive presentation.
Provided by Kardea Brown
Categories main-dish
Time 50m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 24
Steps:
- Whisk together the oil and flour in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until the roux is the color of peanut butter, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add the celery, onion, bell pepper and tomatoes and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the gumbo file, House Seasoning, mace, garlic and bay leaves. Cook until fragrant, 1 more minute. Slowly pour in the chicken stock, seafood stock and 1 cup water, whisking until combined. Add the turkey wing.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally and adding water as needed, for 1 hour.
- Stir in the lima beans. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the gumbo is thickened, about 2 hours. Add the shrimp during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Remove the turkey wing. Chop the meat and return it to the gumbo. Remove from the heat and sprinkle with the parsley and green onions. Serve with hot sauce.
- Stir together the garlic and onion powders, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
REAL CAJUN GUMBO (FROM A LOUISIANAIAN)
All the gumbos you find that have tomatoes or okra are not cajun. That is creole. These are two completely different cultures. Cajun is a simple, cheap, tasty, country, low swamp land culture. Creole, is a higher class, city folk, type of culture that requires more expensive and extensive ingredients. Do not use more andouille than the recipe calls for, or I promise you will regret it! Please do not season with hot sauce on your plate, it is rude. For cheap, tasty andouille, order from the original makers of cajun andouille at www.cajunsausage.com.
Provided by asimplegirl
Categories Gumbo
Time 1h15m
Yield 1 pot, 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Using a sharp boning knife cut the stewing hen into 8-10 serving pieces.
- Remove as much of the fat from the chicken as possible.
- Cut andouille into ½-inch slices and set aside.
- In a 2-gallon stockpot, heat oil over medium-high heat.
- Whisk in flour, stirring constantly until golden brown roux is achieved. Do not scorch. Should black specks appear, discard and begin again.
- Add onions, celery, bell pepper and garlic. Sauté 3-5 minutes or until vegetables are wilted.
- Blend in chicken and andouille. Sauté approximately 15 minutes.
- Add chicken stock, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until all is incorporated.
- Bring to a rolling boil, reduce to simmer and cook approximately 1 hour.
- Skim any fat or oil that rises to the top of the pot.
- Add green onions, bay leaf, thyme and basil.
- Season to taste using salt, pepper and hot sauce.
- Cook an additional 30 minutes or longer if necessary, until chicken is tender and falling apart.
- Add parsley and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Serve over hot, steamed white rice.
- NOTE: You may wish to boil the chicken 1-2 hours prior to beginning the gumbo to tenderize the meat. Reserve this stock, bone the chicken and use the meat and stock in the gumbo.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1248.3, Fat 82.1, SaturatedFat 20, Cholesterol 163.4, Sodium 1349.5, Carbohydrate 68.4, Fiber 3.2, Sugar 9.5, Protein 55.9
Tips for making the tastiest Louisiana Gumbo:
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to evenly distribute heat and prevent burning.
- The holy trinity of Louisiana cooking (onions, celery, and bell peppers) should be finely diced for maximum flavor infusion.
- Sauté the vegetables in butter or oil until softened and slightly browned for a deeper flavor profile.
- Use a flavorful stock, such as chicken, seafood, or vegetable broth, as the base for your gumbo.
- Add your protein of choice, whether it's chicken, shrimp, sausage, or a combination. Cook it until fully cooked through.
- For a classic gumbo, use a roux made from equal parts oil and flour. Cook the roux over low heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired color (darker roux will result in a richer flavor).
- Add the roux to the pot and whisk until well combined. This will help thicken the gumbo.
- Bring the gumbo to a simmer and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Season the gumbo to taste with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. You can also add other spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
- Serve the gumbo over rice with your favorite toppings, such as green onions, parsley, or hot sauce.
Conclusion:
With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, Louisiana gumbo is a true Southern classic. By following these tips, you can create a delicious gumbo that will impress your family and friends. Whether you prefer a classic chicken and sausage gumbo or a seafood gumbo brimming with shrimp and crab, there's a recipe here for everyone. So grab your pot and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!
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