Jumbo Gumbo Soup
Jumbo Gumbo Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant green peppers, and okra, all simmered in a savory broth with aromatic herbs. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it offers a comforting taste of Southern cuisine with a rich, spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 1 whole broiler-fryer chicken ⓘ
- 6 cups water ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 6 celery tops
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Accent ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf
- 3/4 teaspoon dried leaf thyme ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons monosodium ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat margarine or butter in a deep kettle.
- Add sliced onion, chopped green pepper, and celery tops.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
- Blend in flour.
- Gradually add reserved chicken stock and cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a boil.
- Add the whole chicken, chopped onion, bay leaf, dried leaf thyme, Accent, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for one hour.
- Add okra and reserved chicken pieces.
- Simmer until okra is hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier gumbo, consider adding diced tomatoes or a splash of hot sauce for heat. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Don't rush the simmering step, as it enhances the flavors significantly. Pairing this with Old-Fashioned Corn Bread Dressing makes for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Jumbo Gumbo Soup hot, garnished with chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or rice to soak up the flavorful broth. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or cornbread. It also complements other Southern-inspired dishes like Chicken And Water Chestnut Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, but be careful not to overheat it, as this may change the texture of the okra.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jumbo Gumbo Soup contains roughly 144 calories, with 6g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (177% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 948mg per serving (41% 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 leftover chicken for this gumbo?
Absolutely! Using leftover chicken can save time. Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken and add it during the last simmering stage to heat through. This will infuse the soup with flavor without overcooking the meat.
Is it necessary to use a whole chicken, or can I use parts?
You can definitely use chicken parts like thighs or breasts instead of a whole chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as parts will cook faster. Ensure you still include bones for a rich stock.
Can I freeze the gumbo for later?
Yes, this gumbo freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm gently on the stovetop.
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).