traditional new orleans gumbo recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best traditional new orleans gumbo recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the rich history and cultural significance of gumbo, a traditional New Orleans dish that’s a staple in many Southern households. As a home cook, I appreciate how this recipe allows for endless variations while still maintaining its core essence.

Gumbo is more than just a meal – it’s an experience that brings people together. When I serve it at family gatherings, everyone gathers around the table, eager to dig in and share stories.

The key to making a great gumbo is understanding the balance of flavors, which requires patience and attention to detail. The slow-cooked broth, the perfect blend of spices, and the variety of ingredients all come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, measuring out spices and stirring the pot. They’re always excited to taste the finished product, and I’m happy to share this tradition with them.

As we sit down to eat, I feel grateful for this simple yet powerful recipe that has brought so much joy to our family over the years.

Traditional New Orleans Gumbo

4.8 from 1618 votes

A hearty and flavorful stew featuring chicken, sausage, and shrimp, thickened with a roux and seasoned with the holy trinity of celery, bell peppers, and onions. Served over rice, this gumbo is a classic New Orleans dish.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time1 hr 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hrs
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 500 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Meat and Seafood

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 lb andouille sausage
1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables

1 large onion, chopped
1 large bell pepper, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups okra, sliced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Seasonings

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp cayenne pepper
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

Cooked white rice

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2Add the flour to the pot and stir continuously with a wooden spoon to make a roux.
3Cook the roux, stirring constantly, until it turns a dark brown color, similar to chocolate.
4This should take about 20-25 minutes.
5Add the onions, bell peppers, and celery to the pot and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
6Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
7Stir in the paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and bay leaves.
8Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
9Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
10Pour in the diced tomatoes and add 6 cups of water to the pot.
11Stir well to combine.
12Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
13Add the andouille sausage and okra to the pot.
14Stir well to combine.
15Cook for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
16Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
17Stir in salt and pepper to taste.
18Remove the bay leaves from the pot.
19Ladle the gumbo over cooked white rice and serve hot.
20Enjoy your traditional New Orleans gumbo.

🔧Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 500 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 150mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier gumbo, add more cayenne pepper to taste. You can also add other seafood like crab or crawfish if desired. Serve with hot sauce on the side for added heat.

This traditional New Orleans gumbo recipe is always a hit at family gatherings or any occasion where you want to feed a crowd.

It’s easy to make ahead of time and can be reheated when needed.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it freezes – simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat when needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About New Orleans Gumbo

Q: What is gumbo?

Gumbo is a stew-like dish that originated in Louisiana, made with a combination of ingredients such as meat or seafood, vegetables, and a thickening agent called filé powder or okra.

Q: What are the main ingredients in traditional New Orleans gumbo?

The main ingredients include okra or filé powder for thickening, onions, bell peppers, garlic, celery, and tomatoes for flavoring, and various meats or seafood such as sausage, chicken, or shrimp.

Q: How do I make a vegetarian version of this recipe?

To make a vegetarian version of this recipe, substitute the meat with plant-based options such as tofu or tempeh and adjust the seasonings accordingly.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This recipe can be prepared ahead of time but it’s best served fresh. If you need to store it for later use, refrigerate it at 40°F (4°C) or below for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q: What are some variations on this recipe?

There are many variations on this recipe including using different types of meat or seafood such as alligator or crawfish.

Similar Posts