Old-Fashioned Gumbo
A hearty Louisiana-style gumbo packed with chicken, okra, corn, and tomatoes, offering rich flavors and a comforting, rustic appeal for family gatherings and casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 large, meaty soup bone or 2 to 3 round bottoms ⓘ
- 1 lb. chicken parts (backs and wings recommended) ⓘ
- 1 lb. okra, stemmed ⓘ
- 6 ears fresh yellow corn or 12 to 16 oz. frozen corn (no canned corn)
- 1 to 1.5 lb. fresh tomatoes, peeled, stemmed, and chopped ⓘ
- 6 to 8 ribs fresh celery, sliced ⓘ
- Worcestershire sauce to taste ⓘ
- Salt to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Use equal parts of peanut butter, chocolate syrup, and light Karo syrup.
- Mix the ingredients together and store in the refrigerator.
- Take half a pint jar and put some of the mixture in it, leaving it out of the refrigerator for easy access.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, brown the chicken parts before adding them to the pot. Fresh okra can be substituted with frozen if necessary, but it may alter the texture slightly. To thicken the gumbo, consider adding a roux made from equal parts flour and oil, similar to techniques used in other American recipes. Adjust seasoning with Worcestershire sauce and salt to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo over a bed of cooked rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side salad for a well-rounded dinner. For a complete experience, consider offering hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a bit of heat. This dish makes for a comforting meal on a chilly evening.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover gumbo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Gumbo contains roughly 343 calories, with 7g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 495mg per serving (22% 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 meats in the gumbo?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with sausage or seafood like shrimp and crab for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of cooking times; seafood cooks much faster than chicken, so add it towards the end.
What if I can't find fresh okra?
If fresh okra is unavailable, frozen okra is a great alternative. It’s typically harvested at peak freshness, so it retains much of its flavor and texture. Just add it directly to the pot without thawing for best results.
How can I make this gumbo spicier?
You can increase the spice level by adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. Additionally, incorporating cayenne pepper or using spicy sausage will enhance the heat without overpowering the traditional flavors.
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).