Turkey Gumbo
A hearty and flavorful turkey gumbo with rich roux, vegetables, and spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings that appreciate bold Cajun-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 large stalks celery, chopped ⓘ
- 3 large onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- turkey carcass or turkey cubes
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 bags frozen okra and tomatoes ⓘ
- 4 quarts cold water ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Tabasco ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- In a heavy pot, heat the cooking oil.
- Add the all-purpose flour and stir constantly until the roux is brown, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Add the chopped celery, onions, green pepper, garlic, frozen okra, and tomatoes.
- Saute, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes.
- Add the cold water all at once along with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco.
- Bring to a rapid boil.
- Add the turkey carcass or turkey cubes.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes or longer until the stock is rich.
- Taste for seasoning.
- Add the turkey cubes, chopped parsley, and chopped green onions.
- Cook for 10 minutes longer.
- Serve hot with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or thyme during simmering. If you don’t have turkey on hand, chicken or even a smoked sausage can be a tasty substitute. Adjust the heat of the dish by varying the amount of Tabasco to suit your taste. Fresh okra can also be used instead of frozen for a fresher texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo over a generous scoop of fluffy white rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Cajun Sausage Over Rice for an extra kick. Consider adding a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth or a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover gumbo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Gumbo can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Gumbo contains roughly 1043 calories, with 18g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1658mg per serving (72% 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 a different protein instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Chicken works well as a substitute, or you can add shrimp for a seafood twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
How can I thicken my gumbo?
If your gumbo is too thin, you can let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mixing a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and adding it to the pot can help thicken the broth.
What type of rice is best to serve with gumbo?
Long-grain white rice is traditional for serving with gumbo, as it absorbs the flavors well. However, you can also use brown rice for a nuttier taste or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
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).