Description
Classic New Orleans Creole Gumbo is a heartwarming dish that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Louisiana. This rich and flavorful stew features a delightful mix of succulent seafood, savory andouille sausage, and fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a dark roux that boasts a deep mahogany color. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this gumbo is not only comforting but also versatile, allowing you to customize ingredients according to your taste preferences. Whether enjoyed over rice or with crusty bread, each bowl serves as a reminder of the rich culinary heritage of New Orleans.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup Turkey Bacon drippings
- 1 cup coarsely chopped celery
- 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen cut okra, thawed
- 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 pound lump crabmeat
- 3 pounds uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 quarts water
- 6 cubes beef bouillon
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato sauce
- hot pepper sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- vinegar
- sugar
- Cajun seasoning blend
- bay leaves
- dried thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the roux by whisking together the flour and Turkey Bacon drippings in a large heavy saucepan over medium-low heat until smooth. Cook for 20-30 minutes until it reaches a rich mahogany color.
- Finely chop the celery, onion, bell pepper, and garlic using a food processor.
- Stir the chopped vegetables and sausage into the roux; cook until tender.
- In a Dutch oven, bring water and bouillon to a boil; whisk in the roux mixture.
- Add seasonings and tomatoes; simmer for about 45 minutes.
- Sauté okra with vinegar in drippings; add to gumbo.
- Finally stir in crabmeat and shrimp; simmer for an additional 45 minutes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stewing
- Cuisine: Louisiana
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: For extra depth of flavor, use fresh seafood when possible. Adjust spice levels by adding more hot sauce or Cajun seasoning according to taste. To enhance presentation, garnish with chopped green onions before serving.