George'S Favorite Bill Martin'S Shrimp Gumbo
A hearty shrimp gumbo loaded with okra, tomatoes, and flavorful spices, perfect for comforting meals and seafood lovers seeking a rich, savory dish.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. celery, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. green onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 c. bell pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 c. sliced okra
- 1/2 c. butter ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb. 4 oz.) can whole tomatoes, broken up ⓘ
- 8 oz. tomato juice ⓘ
- 24 oz. cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 4 oz. mushrooms, finely chopped (stems and pieces) ⓘ
- 2 c. cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 c. cooked shrimp ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. gumbo file ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute celery, green onion, parsley, bell pepper, onion, and okra in butter and water until tender.
- Add broken-up tomatoes, tomato juice, mushroom soup, chopped mushrooms, cooked rice, and cooked shrimp.
- Stir well and simmer until ingredients are well blended.
- Add black pepper, red pepper, salt, and gumbo file; stir to combine.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked sausage or andouille in place of shrimp, or a mix of both. If you prefer a thicker gumbo, allow it to simmer longer or add a roux. Fresh okra is ideal, but frozen can also be used in a pinch. Adjust the spices to your heat preference, especially if you enjoy more heat similar to other seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo over a generous scoop of cooked rice for a satisfying meal. Accompany it with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious broth. For a refreshing contrast, a simple green salad pairs beautifully. Consider exploring related dishes like Oyster Stew for a delightful seafood experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the gumbo if needed. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of George'S Favorite Bill Martin'S Shrimp Gumbo contains roughly 274 calories, with 27g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (138% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (135% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (105% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1023mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
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, this gumbo actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving, adding a little water if it thickens too much.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a homemade option or need a substitution, you can make a simple cream sauce with sautéed mushrooms, butter, flour, and cream. This will mimic the texture and flavor of the canned soup while allowing for more control over ingredients.
Is this gumbo spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preferences. The recipe calls for black and red pepper, which provides a mild heat. If you like it spicier, you can increase the amount of red pepper or add hot sauce to taste, making it suitable for any palate.
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).