Gumbo Orleans
A hearty, flavorful Louisiana gumbo loaded with shrimp, crab, and okra, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a spicy, comforting dish with rich tomato and vegetable notes.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil or salad oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 quart chicken stock ⓘ
- 2 cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 package frozen sliced okra ⓘ
- 1 pound cooked, peeled shrimp ⓘ
- 1/2 pound or 2 cans lump crab meat ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- pinch of pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion, celery, and green pepper in hot oil until tender.
- Add chicken stock, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and okra; simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
- Add shrimp, crab meat, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Serve hot over boiled rice with tossed green salad and French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the gumbo. You can substitute the shrimp with chicken or sausage for variation, or even use fresh vegetables instead of frozen okra if preferred. If you're short on time, using store-bought stock will help speed things up without compromising taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo hot over boiled rice for a hearty meal. It pairs wonderfully with a simple tossed green salad and crusty French bread for dipping. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. This dish is perfect for gatherings or family dinners, just like many American recipes that bring everyone together.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the gumbo cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to prevent it from thickening too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gumbo Orleans contains roughly 1212 calories, with 23g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 gumbo ahead of time?
Absolutely! Gumbo often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving.
What can I use instead of okra?
If you’re not a fan of okra, you can substitute it with diced zucchini or even some sliced bell peppers. While they won't provide the same texture, they will still add flavor and substance to the gumbo.
Is gumbo spicy?
Gumbo can be made spicy or mild depending on your preferences. You can adjust the spice level by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste. Start with a small amount and increase it gradually until you reach your desired heat.
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).