Gumbo Z’Herbes Recipe

Description:

Indulge in the rich flavors of the Deep South with this hearty Gumbo Z’Herbes recipe, straight from lovewithrecipes.com. This dish is a delightful fusion of Cajun and Creole influences, perfect for any occasion!

Recipe Category: Gumbo
Keywords: Stew, One Dish Meal, Lunch/Snacks, Pork, Rice, Vegetable, Meat, Cajun, Creole, Potluck, Spring, Summer, Winter, Spicy, Weeknight, St. Patrick’s Day, Stove Top, < 4 Hours

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 178.1
• Fat: 6.8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.3g
• Cholesterol: 39mg
• Sodium: 1564.4mg
• Carbohydrates: 14.5g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Sugar: 2.4g
• Protein: 14.9g

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp bacon fat
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 – 1 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 1/4 – 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup smoked ham, diced
• 1/2 cup garlic sausage, sliced
• 1/2 cup andouille sausage, sliced
• Greens of your choice (e.g., collard greens, mustard greens, kale)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Greens:

   • Wash the greens thoroughly and drain them.
   • Coarsely chop the greens, discarding any tough center stems.
   • In a large kettle, place the greens with 1 cup of cold water (you may need to do this in batches).
   • Cover and bring to a boil, cooking until the greens are wilted (5 to 15 minutes depending on the type of greens used).
   • Drain the greens, reserving the cooking liquid.

2. Prepare Liquid:

   • Add enough water to the reserved liquid to yield 1-1/2 quarts.

3. Make Roux:

   • In a heavy pot, heat the bacon fat over medium heat.
   • Add the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 15 to 20 minutes until the roux is a medium brown color (resembling peanut butter).

4. Cook Aromatics:

   • Stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped green pepper.
   • Cook for 5 to 10 minutes or until softened, stirring occasionally.

5. Combine Ingredients:

   • Stir in the measured liquid along with the bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, white pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.
   • Add the prepared greens, diced smoked ham, and sliced sausages to the pot, mixing well.

6. Simmer:

   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

7. Final Touches:

   • Discard the bay leaf.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
   • Serve the Gumbo Z’Herbes over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

This Gumbo Z’Herbes recipe is a labor of love, packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a taste of the South, this dish is sure to impress! Enjoy the rich aroma and comforting warmth of this classic Cajun creation 🍲🌿.