Uncle Bob'S Gumbo
Uncle Bob's Gumbo offers a rich, savory blend of spices, vegetables, and shrimp, perfect for hearty gatherings and those who enjoy bold, flavorful Southern cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup bacon grease ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/4 cup green onion tops ⓘ
- 1/4 cup green peppers
- 1/3 cup celery ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 1 cup hot sauce (picante)
- 2 cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon minced onion ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon file ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon tarragon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon Accent ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown flour in bacon grease; simmer for 30 minutes until browned.
- Saute green onion tops, green peppers, and celery; set aside.
- Add remaining ingredients to the flour mixture; simmer for 1 hour.
- Add shrimp and sautéed vegetables to the gumbo.
- Serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a rich flavor, ensure the flour is well-browned in the bacon grease, which may take up to 30 minutes. If you want a spicier kick, consider adding more hot sauce or including diced jalapeños. For a lighter version, substitute the bacon grease with olive oil and use whole wheat flour. This gumbo can also be adapted with different proteins or vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo over fluffy white rice for a hearty meal. Pair it with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple salad or coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast. This dish pairs beautifully with Red Rooster Stew for a comforting and satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover gumbo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Uncle Bob'S Gumbo contains roughly 535 calories, with 13g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2200mg per serving (96% 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 type of meat in this gumbo?
Absolutely! While shrimp is a classic ingredient, you can substitute it with chicken, sausage, or even crab. Just ensure that any meat is fully cooked before adding it to the gumbo to maintain food safety and flavor.
How do I make this gumbo vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken bouillon with vegetable broth and omit the bacon grease. You can still use the flour for thickening, and add a variety of vegetables like okra, mushrooms, and zucchini for added texture and flavor.
What can I serve with gumbo?
Gumbo is often served over rice, but you can also enjoy it with cornbread or a side of green salad for a refreshing crunch. For a more filling meal, consider serving alongside Chicken Casserole For A Crowd for a delightful family feast.
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).