Moma Gumbo
Moma Gumbo is a hearty, flavorful Cajun-style stew featuring shrimp, crabmeat, okra, and a rich roux, perfect for seafood lovers and those craving bold Southern flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the flour in the bacon drippings until golden brown to make the roux.
- Add diced onions, diced celery, diced bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and garlic to the roux.
- Simmer and stir frequently for 15 minutes.
- Place the roux in a large pot; add 3 quarts of water, half of the shrimp, crabmeat, and okra.
- Simmer slowly for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Thirty minutes before serving, add the remaining shrimp, crabmeat, and okra.
- Serve the gumbo over hot rice, seasoned with Tabasco, salt, and pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, ensure the roux is browned to a deep chocolate color, which can take time but is worth it. If you're out of bacon drippings, vegetable oil or butter can be used instead. You can substitute fresh okra with frozen if fresh is unavailable. To enhance the dish, consider adding a few bay leaves during simmering.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo over hot rice, which absorbs the rich flavors of the dish beautifully. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a simple side salad or crusty bread. It also goes well with a refreshing drink, like sweet tea, to balance the spice. This dish pairs beautifully with Okra, Creole Style as a side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. For longer storage, freeze the gumbo in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Moma Gumbo contains roughly 590 calories, with 27g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (55% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1658mg per serving (72% 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 other proteins in this gumbo?
Absolutely! While shrimp and crabmeat are traditional, you can substitute with chicken, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure all proteins are properly cooked.
What can I do if my gumbo is too thick?
If your gumbo turns out too thick, simply add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir well to combine and allow it to simmer for a few more minutes to blend the flavors.
Is there a way to make this gumbo spicier?
Definitely! If you enjoy heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or more Tabasco sauce to the pot. You can also use spicy sausage or add cayenne pepper to the roux for an extra kick. Adjust to your taste preference.
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).