Tuna Gumbo
A hearty and flavorful tuna gumbo with okra, tomatoes, and seasonings, perfect for a comforting meal that combines Southern flair with seafood delight.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 can chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (and juice) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup parsley ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1 (12 1/2 or 13 oz.) can tuna, drained ⓘ
- 10 oz. frozen cut okra or fresh ⓘ
- 1 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- dash of cayenne pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a large pot.
- Add chopped onion, green pepper, and minced garlic. Saute for about 5 minutes.
- Combine flour and chicken broth; mix well.
- Add the flour mixture to the onion, pepper, and garlic, stirring constantly.
- Add crushed tomatoes, parsley, bay leaf, salt, thyme, and seasonings to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Prepare rice according to package directions.
- Add drained tuna and frozen or fresh okra to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper.
- Serve the gumbo over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you don't have okra, you can substitute with diced zucchini or green beans. To enhance the taste, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Ensure to stir the mixture frequently to prevent sticking, especially when adding the flour to the broth. This gumbo can also incorporate shrimp for a delightful variation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo over fluffy white rice or cornbread for a hearty meal. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. For a refreshing contrast, pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken And Cornbread Dressing for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the consistency. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Gumbo contains roughly 1011 calories, with 24g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (76% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1493mg per serving (65% 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. Just follow the recipe up to step 10, then cool and refrigerate. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight. Just reheat and add the lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce before serving.
Is there a vegetarian version of this gumbo?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian gumbo, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the tuna. You can add more vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and carrots for added texture and flavor.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the gumbo?
To adjust the spiciness, simply modify the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference. For milder flavors, you can reduce it or omit it entirely. Conversely, if you enjoy heat, feel free to add more cayenne or even some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
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).