Haynes' Okra Gumbo
A savory okra gumbo featuring fresh vegetables and herbs, offering a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for vegetable lovers and those seeking a low-slimy, well-seasoned meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the okra, onions, celery, green pepper, and mushrooms in a large nonstick frying pan and stir frequently to dry out the okra's juice, preventing sliminess.
- Continue cooking for about 20 minutes, then add garlic powder, dill weed, and salt.
Tips & Substitutions
To reduce the sliminess of okra, sauté it in a nonstick pan over medium heat, stirring frequently. If fresh okra is unavailable, frozen okra works well too. For added flavor, consider incorporating smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. You can also substitute the green pepper with a red or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Haynes' Okra Gumbo over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a refreshing Colorful Holiday Salad for added crunch. A squeeze of lemon on top just before serving can enhance the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain texture. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, checking to ensure it doesn't overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Haynes' Okra Gumbo contains roughly 65 calories, with 3g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (33% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1850mg per serving (80% 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 use fresh okra instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh okra can provide a firmer texture and brighter flavor. Just ensure you wash and slice it before adding it to the pan, following the same cooking instructions.
What can I use instead of canned tomatoes?
If canned tomatoes are not available, you can use fresh diced tomatoes or even tomato sauce as a substitute. Adjust the quantity to maintain the desired consistency of the gumbo.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Okra Gumbo is vegetarian-friendly as it does not contain any meat. For a vegan version, simply ensure that no animal-based broth is used and enjoy this delicious, hearty dish.
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).