Okra And Corn Gumbo
Okra and Corn Gumbo is a hearty, flavorful dish that beautifully combines the earthiness of okra with the sweetness of corn and the richness of bacon. This comforting stew is perfect for family gatherings or chilly evenings, appealing to both meat lovers and vegetable enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 lb okra ⓘ
- 10 large tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c corn ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato paste
- 3 qt water ⓘ
- 2 large beef shanks (about 2 lb total) ⓘ
- 1 lb veal bones (optional) ⓘ
- 12 c water ⓘ
- 2 medium onions (whole and unpeeled) ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots (whole and unpeeled) ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery ⓘ
- 2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp marjoram ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp basil
- 6 peppercorns ⓘ
- 1/2 c pearl barley ⓘ
- 4 small white turnips (about 1/2 lb), peeled, cut into 1/4-inch rounds and quartered ⓘ
- 5 plum tomatoes (about 3/4 lb), coarsely chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- In a stockpot or large saucepan, place the beef shanks, veal bones (if using), and 12 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, skimming any foam that rises to the surface.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding smoked sausage or chicken to the gumbo. If okra is not available, green beans can be a good substitute. Make sure to cook the bacon until crispy to enhance its flavor. Fresh tomatoes are best, but canned tomatoes can be used in a pinch. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more spices if you prefer a spicier dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo hot over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple green salad. For added flavor, consider garnishing with fresh parsley or green onions. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, especially alongside other comforting American recipes like Easy Microwave Beef Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover gumbo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. Gumbo can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Okra And Corn Gumbo contains roughly 2657 calories, with 74g protein, 473g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (488% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (242% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 this gumbo ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the gumbo a day in advance. In fact, the flavors often improve as it sits. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. If you plan to freeze it, add the okra and corn just before serving to maintain their texture.
What can I use instead of beef shanks?
If you prefer a different protein, you can use chicken thighs or turkey legs instead of beef shanks. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth along with additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
How can I thicken the gumbo?
To thicken the gumbo, you can add a roux made from equal parts flour and fat, cooking it until it reaches a deep brown color. Alternatively, allowing it to simmer longer will reduce the liquid and naturally thicken the 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).