Gumbo

Gumbo

People ask “what the heck is that??” well it is the famous cajun dish that every southern family loves to enjoy on any given day. It is a staple on holidays, cool fall/winter evenings, and family gatherings of all kinds. The amazing smells of a roux boiling on the stove is like heaven. You will definitely need a soup pot or stock pot that will hold a min of 8-12 cups of liquid and ingredients. No Gumbo is complete without a family secret recipe of potato salad… yes you need this in your life trust me!!!!!!!!!!

Gumbo originally made its appearance in the 18th Century with many variations. From the rich to the poor, this dish has no discrimination.

Every year October 12 is National Gumbo Day!!! New Iberia is home to the World gumbo championship competition, and brings many different flavours to the table.

Some say a nice thick gumbo is the best, and if that is how you love to eat it add Okra or some Filè powder (dried, ground sassafras leaves) Both are amazing thickeners and can be used in soups, stews and gumbo. I have used both and love them so I alternate between the two.

Roux

• Flour … heaping cup

• Oil…. ⅔ cup

Vegg to saute

• One green bell pepper diced

• One yellow onion diced

• A bunch of parsley chopped

• Green onion .. 4 chopped

• 2-3 cloves of garlic diced

• Celery chopped...3-4 stalks

Protein.. Pick all or a few

• Andouille sausage cut up

• Shrimp, Seafood

• Cut up chicken breasts

• Chicken parts

Rice…

Make enough rice for 6 servings.. Long grain rice is my go-to. I use a rice cooker as it is the easiest way to make rice. It is almost impossible to make a mistake with a rice cooker. Set aside once done

Potato Salad

• 6-8 hard boiled eggs

• 5 medium sized potatoes cut up and boiled.. Then cool

• Cup mayo

• Teaspoon of mustard

• Teaspoon of relish

• Tonys seasoning or a Cajun seasoning. Red Pepper seasonings are best.

Separate the egg yolks into a bowl, and cut up the whites into another. Smash the yolks and add mayo, mustard and a few shakes of Tonys seasoning . Add the relish, then cooled cut up potatoes. Refrigerate.

Now .. let's talk about a Roux

A Roux takes time, love and patience. This is actually the heart of a Gumbo as it takes about 40 mins to create and is not the easiest for beginners.

I like to make mine in a cast iron skillet… it takes about 40 mins with a lot of stirring and making sure it DOES NOT BURN. Add your flour and oil into the pan. Stir until it is a dark chocolate colour over medium heat...About 35-40 mins.. And is the consistency of cookie dough. Take it off the heat immediately when you have reached the point of the dark rich colour. Transfer to a stock pot or soup pot. I always make mine in my magnalite pot (google it.. best pots for southern cooking)

In a skillet add a little oil and saute the veggies until they are clear, do not over cook them.

Now that the main things of your recipe have been created you want to take your stock pot out. Add the rich roux you made to it, as well as about 8-10 cups of water, and my favourite cajun seasoning... Tony’s, and bring to a boil… stirring frequently to mix together. Once you have done this add the sauteed veggies to this and bring to a good boil for a min of a half hour so the flavours can bond and as i like to call it “marry”

I know you have been at this for at least 2 hours … so open that bottle of wine if you haven't already… so what if it isn’t noon… it is somewhere in the world!!!!!!

Once your flavours have boiled and been brought together by matrimony… add your protein. Like I have said Gumbo protein can be whatever you love. My favourite is chicken and sausage. Simmer on low for a few hours. To kick your meal up a notch or two.. add in some Louisiana Mcllhenny Tabasco or some Slap Ya Momma (don’t really slap your mom 😂)

Pairing this all together for an experience that is always mouth watering, warming and fulfilling.

Take a gumbo bowl (yes in my house I own some) or a nice supper soup bowl. Dig out some rice, pour your gumbo over top and and a dollop of potato salad!!!!

Bon Appetitè

Amanda

Sylvan lake Alberta