If you’ve ever been to New Orleans and ordered up a steaming bowl of dark, rich gumbo, you know the magic of this special stew. The key to its velvety texture and deep color is a carefully made roux, cooked down low and slow. Stop too soon and you’ll end up with a pallid, insipid soup—what you’re looking for is for the mixture of fat and flour to turn the color of toasted peanut butter. Be patient, and keep your mixture moving on the bottom of the pot, or you’re sure to scorch it.

Seafood gumbo is probably the most popular version of this Cajun recipe, but chicken and sausage make regular appearances in traditional recipes. Okra, too, is integral to gumbo – it’s unique texture gives the stew volume and a silky smoothness.

The heat level is up to you, but if you like your gumbo mild, we suggest serving it along with some Louisiana hot sauce so those who prefer a little bit of fire can customize their bowl.

Cajun Seafood Gumbo (pictured above) If you want a traditional Cajun take on gumbo, this is your recipe, brimming with shrimp, crab, and oysters. Want a step-by-step gumbo lesson? Watch our video, “How to Make Gumbo,” which takes you through this Cajun seafood gumbo recipe.

Shrimp Gumbo: Plump, sweet shrimp are the star of this richly spiced gumbo. Cajun and Creole seasonings join spicy andouille sausages (the French pork sausages that Louisianans also call “hot links”).

Shrimp and Crab Gumbo:Crab gives this seafood gumbo extra flavor and a unique sweetness. When you include the special Cajun spice blend, included in the recipe, the stew comes alive. The blend consists of 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed; 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper.

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo: Gumbo doesn’t have to highlight seafood: chicken is equally at home in this rich stew. You can use any kind of cooked chicken you like. For deeper flavors, use chicken thigh or leg meat; or mix up the white and dark meats it you like a bit of each.

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo: This recipe lets you take the easy road. Using your slow cooker to create this tasty chicken and sausage gumbo. It also helps you cut fat and calories by using chicken or turkey breast meat and turkey sausage.

Vegetarian Gumbo: Because much of the richness of gumbo comes from the roux, it’s possible to make a satisfying soup with just veggies, including carrots, parsnips, green beans, green bell peppers, onions, and okra.

Get your gumbo here. Try all of our gumbo recipes!

You might also like:

Dilled Crab and Mushroom Chowder: 30-Minute Meal

Categories: Dinner Tonight | Tags: Gumbo, Seafood Gumbo, Soup, Stew
No Comments | Post Your Comment