Gumbo(For Ten)
Gumbo is a hearty, flavorful Southern stew combining shrimp, crab, and vegetables in a savory tomato-based broth. Rich and comforting, it's perfect for gatherings or family dinners, offering a delightful blend of smoky bacon, fresh seafood, and spicy seasonings that showcase classic Cajun cuisine.
Ingredients
- 6 slices pork bacon ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 or 2 packages frozen sliced okra ⓘ
- 1 large can tomatoes or 2 (No. 2) cans tomatoes ⓘ
- salt as desired
- pepper as desired ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. shrimp ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. raw bacon in small pieces ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups crab meat ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown 6 slices of bacon in a large pot and remove from pan.
- Add flour to the drippings and brown it to make a roux.
- Add chopped celery, chopped onion, frozen sliced okra, canned tomatoes, and 2 quarts of boiling water to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2 hours.
- Add salt, pepper, and sugar to taste.
- Stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture thickens.
- Add the raw shrimp, bacon pieces, and crab meat to the pot.
- Bring to a boil again and simmer for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked sausage alongside the bacon. If you can't find frozen okra, fresh or canned can work as substitutes. To enhance the taste, add a splash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Also, make sure to stir the roux continuously to prevent burning. If you prefer a thicker gumbo, let it simmer longer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo hot over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Broccoli Salad(Easy, Delightful, Cold Summer Salad) for a refreshing contrast. Consider crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious broth. For added flavor, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, but add a splash of water to keep it from drying out. Gumbo can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gumbo(For Ten) contains roughly 341 calories, with 13g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value) and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1264mg per serving (55% 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 without seafood?
Absolutely! You can create a delicious vegetarian gumbo by omitting the shrimp and crab meat. Substitute them with additional vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of water for a hearty flavor. This variation will still keep the essence of gumbo.
What can I use instead of crab meat?
If crab meat is unavailable, you can replace it with more shrimp or some cooked chicken. Shredded rotisserie chicken works well and adds a different texture. For a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or hearts of palm to maintain a satisfying bite in your gumbo.
How can I make the gumbo spicier?
To spice up your gumbo, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of cayenne pepper to the mix. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side, allowing guests to adjust the heat to their liking. This will enhance the flavor profile and cater to spice lovers.
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).