American Gumbo

Gumbo is a popular dish in Louisiana Creole cuisine, typically served with rice and sprinkled with green onions and parsley. It is Louisiana’s state dish, and is one of the most beloved comfort foods in the U.S. Gumbo has a rich, flavorful history, originally being brought over to the United States by descendants of African slaves. Since the 1800s, Louisiana gumbo has become a national favorite, with multiple varieties being enjoyed all over the country.

Today, American gumbo makers create unique combinations of ingredients to make their own take on the beloved dish. From chicken and sausage gumbo to vegan gumbo and beyond, the possibilities are endless. Gumbo has become a beloved comfort food, enjoyed by many in the U.S.

A classic American gumbo is made with a trinity of vegetables (celery, bell pepper, and onion), fat (such as oil or butter), and a flavorful roux (which is a cooked mixture of fat and flour). After the vegetables, fat, and roux are combined, a broth is added along with seafood and/or meat as well as okra and seasonings.

The key to a flavorful gumbo is the roux, which is often made with either oil or butter, and seasoned flour. The roux is cooked over low heat until it turns a warm, nutty brown. It is then used to thicken the gumbo broth to the desired consistency.

Gumbo can be eaten in many different ways. It can be served over rice, alongside cornbread or biscuits, or topped with a sprinkle of tabasco sauce or shrimp. The combinations are endless and will truly bring out the unique flavors of the Louisiana classic.

American Gumbo Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup flour

• 2 quarts chicken broth

• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

• Hot sauce, to taste

• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until flour is golden brown, about 5 minutes.

3. Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly. Add the sausage, shrimp, parsley, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding hot sauce if desired. Serve with cooked white rice. Enjoy!