Southern Gumbo

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Southern American
Diet: Omnivore

Ingredients:

• 4 green onions, sliced (white and green parts)
• 2 cups frozen sliced okra
• 1 (14 oz) can stewed tomatoes with juice
• ½ lb small cooked and deveined shrimp
• 5 beef bouillon cubes
• ¼ bunch flat leaf parsley (stems and leaves)
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 5 tablespoons margarine, divided
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 lb smoked sausage, cut into ¼ inch slices
• 3 large boneless chicken breast halves
• 4 cups hot water
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until browned on both sides, then remove and set aside.
2. In the same Dutch oven, add the sausage slices and cook until browned, then remove and set aside.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the remaining oil, add 2 tablespoons of margarine, and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns brown (about 10 minutes). Let the roux cool.
4. Return the Dutch oven to low heat and melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of margarine. Add the onion, garlic, green pepper, and celery, cooking for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and ¼ bunch parsley. Continue cooking for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
6. Add 4 cups of hot water and bouillon cubes, whisking constantly. Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
7. Add the stewed tomatoes and okra. Cover and simmer for an additional hour.
8. Just before serving, stir in the green onions, cooked shrimp, and additional chopped parsley.

Notes:

• Gumbo is a versatile dish, so feel free to adjust the types of meats or the level of spiciness to your liking.
• Serve with rice or a crusty bread for a complete meal.
• This dish is perfect for sharing and tends to taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together overnight.

Enjoy this heartwarming and authentic Southern Gumbo, perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in.

We’d love to hear about your experience making these! Share your stories, photos, or any variations you tried in the comments below. Happy cooking