Nell'S Gumbo
Nell's Gumbo is a hearty Louisiana-style stew with rich flavors of seafood, vegetables, and spices, perfect for family gatherings and comfort food lovers seeking bold, authentic tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make a roux using hot oil; add flour and stir until the mixture turns a copper penny color.
- Add vegetables: cabbage, dried onions or large onions, celery, and bell pepper.
- Cook until onions are transparent.
- Add water or tomato juice and let simmer for at least 1 hour.
- Add peeled shrimp and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add crabmeat and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add chopped okra and tomatoes, cook for at least 20 minutes.
- When ready to serve, add about 1/2 teaspoon of gumbo file to each bowl.
- Pour the gumbo into bowls and serve with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of oil and butter for the roux. If you're short on fresh vegetables, frozen okra and canned tomatoes can be good substitutes. Adjust the heat level by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you enjoy a spicier gumbo. If you prefer a seafood twist, feel free to add oysters or even swap shrimp for crab.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Nell's Gumbo over a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a crisp green salad for a balanced dinner. For a festive touch, consider serving with a side of Easy Oyster Dip to enhance your seafood experience. Garnish each bowl with chopped green onions for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover gumbo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also freeze the gumbo for up to 3 months; just remember to leave out the rice until you reheat it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nell'S Gumbo contains roughly 3018 calories, with 63g protein, 467g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (150% of the Daily Value), protein (127% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1899mg per serving (83% 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 even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator after cooking and reheat it gently before serving.
What can I substitute for shrimp?
If shrimp isn't available or you prefer a different protein, you can substitute with chicken, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
How do I know when the roux is ready?
The roux is ready when it reaches a deep copper penny color and emits a nutty aroma. Be sure to stir constantly while cooking to prevent it from burning, as the timing can vary based on your heat level and the type of oil used.
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).