Savory Southern Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo
Delve into the heart of Southern cuisine with this classic Gumbo recipe, lovingly crafted by Barb. This versatile dish features a hearty blend of shrimp or chicken, creating a comforting and flavorful experience. With a rich roux base and an array of fresh vegetables like okra, bell peppers, and corn, this gumbo bursts with flavor. Adjust the heat to your liking with hot pepper sauce, and serve it over fluffy rice for a complete meal. Whether enjoyed on a rainy day or served at a gathering, this gumbo is sure to be a hit!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
1/3 cup (none)
canola oil
1/4 cup (none)
celery
1/3 cup (chopped)
bell pepper
1/3 cup (chopped)
yellow onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
garlic
3 cloves (chopped fine)
chopped tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can (none)
chicken broth
3 cups (none)
thyme
1/2 teaspoon (none)
basil
1/2 teaspoon (none)
bay leaves
2 (none)
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
hot pepper sauce
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
canned or frozen corn
1/2 cup (none)
cumin
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
okra
2 cups (sliced (fresh or frozen))
shrimp
1/2-1 lb (cleaned & shells off)
rice
to serve (cooked)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook, stirring continuously, until the roux is a rich caramel color, resembling that of a penny, which may take about 15 minutes.
2
Once the roux is ready, add the chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, and black pepper. Sauté the mixture for about 3 minutes or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
3
Slowly stir in the chicken broth, followed by the canned tomatoes, salt, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, corn, sliced okra, basil, thyme, cumin, and bay leaves. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
If you are using shrimp, add it to the gumbo during the last 5 minutes of simmering. For chicken, cut chicken breast into chunks and add it during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking time.
6
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding smoked sausage along with the chicken. You can also stir in a can of crabmeat if you're using shrimp for a delightful seafood mix.
7
Serve the gumbo hot over a mound of fluffy rice. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Savory Southern Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo?
The gumbo features a savory and comforting flavor profile with a rich roux base, enhanced by a blend of spices like thyme, basil, and cumin, along with a kick from hot pepper sauce.
How do I make the roux for this gumbo?
In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of canola oil over medium heat and gradually whisk in 1/3 cup of flour, stirring continuously until it reaches a rich caramel color.
How long does it take to cook the roux to the correct color?
It takes approximately 15 minutes of continuous stirring to achieve the desired penny-colored caramel roux.
Which vegetables are included in the sauté mix?
The sauté mix includes 1/2 cup of yellow onion, 1/3 cup of celery, 1/3 cup of bell pepper, and 3 cloves of finely chopped garlic.
Can I use chicken instead of shrimp in this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken breast cut into chunks as an alternative to or in addition to shrimp.
When should I add the shrimp to the gumbo?
Shrimp should be added during the last 5 minutes of the simmering process to ensure they are perfectly cooked.
If I use chicken, when should it be added to the pot?
Chicken chunks should be added during the last 20 to 30 minutes of the cooking time.
What type of broth is used for the base?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of chicken broth.
Can I use frozen okra for this recipe?
Yes, you can use 2 cups of either fresh or frozen sliced okra.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the gumbo?
You can adjust the heat by adding between 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce according to your taste preference.
What should the gumbo be served with?
The gumbo is traditionally served hot over a mound of fluffy, cooked white rice.
Is it possible to add other meats like sausage?
Yes, adding smoked sausage along with the chicken is recommended for an extra layer of flavor.
Can I add crabmeat to this gumbo?
Yes, for a seafood mix, you can stir in a can of crabmeat if you are using shrimp.
How long does the gumbo need to simmer once all ingredients are combined?
The mixture should simmer covered for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld properly.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses one 16-ounce can of chopped tomatoes.
Does the recipe call for bay leaves?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 bay leaves for aromatic flavoring.
How much Worcestershire sauce is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
What type of oil is best for the roux in this recipe?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of canola oil.
Is corn included in this gumbo recipe?
Yes, you add 1/2 cup of canned or frozen corn to the mixture.
How much garlic should I use?
You should use 3 cloves of garlic, chopped fine.
What are the specific herbs used in this dish?
The herbs used are 1/2 teaspoon each of dried basil and thyme.
What should the texture of the vegetables be after sautéing?
The vegetables should be sautéed for about 3 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
How much shrimp is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using between 1/2 to 1 lb of cleaned shrimp with shells removed.
Does the recipe use cumin?
Yes, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cumin is added to the spice blend.
Is salt and pepper included in the seasoning?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper are used.
How do I ensure the roux doesn't burn?
You must whisk the flour and oil continuously over medium heat for the full 15 minutes.
What should I do immediately after the roux is ready?
Once the roux is ready, immediately add the onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, and black pepper to the skillet.
Do I need to boil the gumbo?
Yes, bring the mixture to a boil first, then reduce the heat to low to simmer.
Who is the creator of this recipe?
This classic Southern gumbo recipe was lovingly crafted by Barb.
How many ingredients are listed in this recipe?
There are a total of 20 ingredients listed to make this gumbo.