Southern Gumbo
A hearty Southern gumbo featuring tender veal, okra, tomatoes, and a savory blend of herbs, perfect for gathering friends and family around a comforting pot.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless veal, cut in cubes ⓘ
- 1/4 c. unsifted all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/4 c. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 (12 oz.) frozen okra, thawed and cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb. 12 oz.) can tomatoes (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 c. finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. fine herbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Coat veal cubes well in flour.
- Slowly heat butter in an 8-quart kettle.
- Brown veal cubes well, turning on all sides.
- Add onion, okra, and tomatoes.
- Cover and cook 15 minutes.
- Add 2 quarts of water and the remaining ingredients.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the gumbo. If veal is unavailable, chicken or shrimp can be excellent substitutes. Ensure to cut the okra into uniform pieces for even cooking, and feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste. You can also add some sausage for extra depth, making it a heartier dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your gumbo hot over a bed of white rice for a classic presentation. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a casual gathering, consider offering 'Pizza'-Dillas as an appetizer to complement the flavors of the gumbo. Fresh parsley or green onions can be sprinkled on top for added color and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it becomes too thick. Gumbo can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Gumbo contains roughly 196 calories, with 9g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), iron (16% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (15% 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?
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the gumbo.
What can I serve with gumbo?
You can also add some sausage for extra depth, making it a heartier dish.
Can I make this gumbo vegetarian?
If veal is unavailable, chicken or shrimp can be excellent substitutes.
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).