Soul Gumbo Recipe
Soul gumbo is a hearty, flavorful dish combining greens, meats, and spices, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings that crave Southern soul food flavors.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach ⓘ
- 10 oz. frozen chopped mustard greens
- 10 oz. frozen chopped turnip greens ⓘ
- 10 oz. frozen chopped collard greens ⓘ
- 1/2 head cabbage, shredded ⓘ
- 4 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground thyme ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. allspice
- 1/8 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- 2 qt. water ⓘ
- 1/2 stick butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. veal stew meat, trimmed and cut into small pieces ⓘ
- 1 lb. ham, trimmed and cut into small pieces ⓘ
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 5 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 stick butter or margarine ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- freshly cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine frozen chopped spinach, mustard greens, turnip greens, collard greens, shredded cabbage, bay leaves, dried basil, ground thyme, allspice, and ground cloves in a large Dutch oven or pot.
- Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer while preparing the remainder of the recipe.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using smoked sausage instead of veal or ham, or add some diced tomatoes for acidity. You can substitute fresh greens if available, but adjust cooking times accordingly. If you prefer a thicker gumbo, whisk in more flour gradually until desired consistency is achieved.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo over freshly cooked rice for a hearty meal. It pairs wonderfully with crusty French bread or cornbread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Virginia Ham Biscuits or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. This gumbo also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Soul Gumbo Recipe contains roughly 2639 calories, with 55g protein, 336g carbohydrates, and 161g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (351% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (340% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (302% 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 use fresh greens instead of frozen for this gumbo?
Yes, you can use fresh greens! Just make sure to chop them finely and increase the cooking time slightly until they are tender. Fresh greens will add a brighter flavor and texture to the gumbo.
What can I do to make this gumbo spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños or hot sauce to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your heat preference. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it out!
Is it possible to make this gumbo vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, omit the meats and use vegetable broth instead of water. Add additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added flavor and texture. You can also include beans for protein.
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).