Dottie'S Leftover Kielbasa Gumbo
A hearty and flavorful kielbasa gumbo featuring smoked sausage, vegetables, and rice, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with bold, savory notes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. turkey Polsku kielbasa, cut ⓘ
- 1 celery stalk, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. oregano
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can V-8 juice ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. rice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup corn ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or crock-pot, combine all ingredients with 5 cups of water.
- Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours or until tender, or cook in a crock-pot for the same duration.
- Serve hot, making about 8 servings.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. If turkey kielbasa isn't available, any smoked sausage will work. You can substitute the V-8 juice with vegetable juice for a different flavor profile. To thicken the gumbo, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this gumbo over a bed of fluffy rice to absorb the flavorful broth. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple side salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving with a side of Broccoli Cheese Soup With Fideos, which complements the dish's flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the gumbo. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dottie'S Leftover Kielbasa Gumbo contains roughly 276 calories, with 18g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (165% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and calcium (62% of the Daily Value). At about 276 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gumbo ahead of time?
Yes, Dottie's Leftover Kielbasa Gumbo tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just prepare it and let it cool before storing in the fridge. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the turkey kielbasa with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. Increase the amount of vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty vegetarian gumbo.
What can I serve with this gumbo?
This gumbo goes well with cornbread, rice, or a simple green salad. You could also serve it alongside a side of baked potatoes or even American recipes like Barbecued Chicken Sandwiches for a complete meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).