Friday was National Gumbo Day and when I saw this recipe posted on Lisa's blog, I knew I had found my dish for a college football watching Saturday. We love gumbo, but I've never found a recipe that looked simple enough to bother making. And, while this recipe is not traditional Gumbo (no roux), it was very flavorful and had all the components I love. Okra is a favorite of mine, but it is not typically served in the Midwest where I grew up. I know there is a trick to cooking it well, but this recipe is very forgiving. Also, I enjoyed being able to add just the right amount of heat to this Gumbo. Too many times, when you order Gumbo in a restaurant, it's way too spicy.
I did make a few changes to the recipe. I used a can of Rotel rather than regular diced tomatoes for added flavor and heat. Also, I did not use all the chicken broth called for in the recipe to make the gumbo less soup like. Finally, instead of canned chicken (what?), I added 1 pound of chopped, uncooked chicken breast after the mixture came to a boil and then simmered everything for about 20 minutes.
This was a delicious dish and I am happy to have discovered it. You could easily use shrimp instead of chicken (or use both). The whole recipe took one hour to put together, including the chopping and did not need to cook for hours, like traditional gumbo. Serve with rice and a bottle of Tabasco on the side for those who like their Gumbo with even more heat. It really is the easiest Gumbo ever.
Circa 2013
And speaking of College football - my Spartans won over Penn State with a last second touchdown (so exciting) and that leads us into rivalry week in the state of Michigan. Michigan State vs. Michigan; where most families have some sort of interest in the game and the teams (and fans) don't really like each other. We are a house divided with 3 MSU alumni (me, my husband and our youngest daughter) and 2 U of M alumni (my older daughter and new son in law). It will be a fun week.
Happy Monday!
{ Linking with these friends}
That gumbo looks delish. Love the pic of your beautiful girls. Have a wonderful week, Vicki.
ReplyDeleteLooks delicious. I am make this tonight for dinner as it has finally cooled off here. Great pic of your pretty girls. Next weekend is the big game weekend, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThis post makes my heart happy! I’m going to turn you into a Southern Diva yet!! We’re having gumbo in 2 weeks whether or not the weather cooperates! For the Bama v. LSWho game!
ReplyDeletemaking note that if you ever come to see me....leave the spices out!! hahahaha....our food is more tony chachere and red pepper and Louisiana hot sauce than actual foods!!! Made shrimp etoufee last night and even my thought it was kinda spicy....as I was pouring the hot sauce to it!!!
ReplyDeleteSaw your Spartan win!!! woooohooooo. We kinda knocked the socks off of Georgia too...we moved from #12 to #5!!!!
The gumbo sounds delicious but I would have to leave out the okra. Just can't eat okra. Thanks for the recipe link!!
ReplyDeleteI will have to try this. I have never made Gumbo, but do love to it it : ) Okra is a favorite of mine too. Hope you're doing well!
ReplyDeleteGolly gee, that looks delicious! It is about to be colder weather and gumbo would be delicious! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!
ReplyDeleteGumbo looks/sounds de-lish . . .
ReplyDeleteAfter the 7/7 score into the third quarter . . .
things began to change . . .
Household here was disappointed . . .