Quick ‘n Easy Gumbo: A Delightful One-Dish Wonder
Description
This Quick ‘n Easy Gumbo is a wonderful way to embrace the spirit of cooking as an adventure, allowing you to explore fresh ingredients and enjoy the delightful surprises that each preparation brings. Perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike, this gumbo can be easily modified based on what’s fresh at your local market, whether that be succulent shrimp, juicy chicken, or even some crab. The recipe provides a basic structure, but feel free to adjust ingredients according to your taste preferences and what you have on hand. So pour yourself a glass of red wine, crank up some Italian opera, and get ready for a flavorful journey through this classic Creole dish!
Recipe Details
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Quick ‘n Easy Gumbo |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Recipe Category | Gumbo |
| Servings | 6 |
| Keywords | Stew, One Dish Meal, Ham, Pork, Meat, Creole, South American, Spicy, Savory, Less than 30 Minutes, Beginner Cook, Stove Top, Easy, Inexpensive |
| Rating | 5 stars (6 reviews) |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 868.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 67 g |
| Saturated Fat | 21.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 180 mg |
| Sodium | 2667.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 17.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 4.6 g |
| Protein | 47.1 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sausage | 2 links |
| Cooked ham | ½ cup |
| Chicken | 1 lb (cubed) |
| Shrimp | 2 cups |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 4 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 1 clove (minced) |
| Onion (white) | 1 medium (chopped) |
| Green onion | 1 bunch (sliced) |
| Red bell pepper | 1 medium (chopped) |
| Celery | 1 stalk (chopped) |
| Okra | 1 cup (sliced) |
| Roma tomato | 1 medium (chopped) |
| Chicken broth | 3 cups |
| Tabasco sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Flour | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions
-
Begin the Experience
Pour yourself a glass of nice red wine to enjoy while you cook. Cooking should be an experience, and what better way to enhance it than with a delightful drink? -
-
Set the Atmosphere
Turn on some Italian opera to create a lovely ambiance in your kitchen, allowing the music to inspire your cooking adventure. -
Cook the Rice
Start by cooking a big pot of rice—white rice works best as a base for this gumbo. Make sure to follow the package instructions for the perfect fluffy rice. Remember, the rice should be on the top shelf to the right in your pantry. -
Prep the Meats
Cut your meats into nice bite-sized slices, being careful to keep your fingers clear of the blade. Precooked meats like ham will speed up the cooking process significantly, while uncooked meats such as chicken and shrimp can be boiled quickly in chicken broth and added later. -
Sauté the Base
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Once hot, slowly sauté the sausage, cooked ham, chicken, garlic, and onion until the meat is lightly browned and the onions are translucent. Be mindful not to eat too much of the meat while you cook; it can be tempting! -
Mix in the Broth
Once your meats are sautéed to perfection, add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a boil. -
Layer Your Vegetables
Lower the heat to medium and begin adding your ingredients one at a time. Start with the firmer vegetables, such as celery and bell pepper, as they require more cooking time. Follow with the softer vegetables like okra and tomatoes. This layering technique allows for optimal cooking and flavor blending. -
Season to Taste
Add the Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. This is the moment to personalize your gumbo—don’t hesitate to toss in more spices if you wish! -
Simmer for Flavor
Let the gumbo simmer over medium heat until all the ingredients are blended and cooked to your liking—this should take about 15 minutes. Remember, the longer you cook, the more the flavors will meld together, but I personally prefer to keep them distinct. -
Taste and Adjust
Carefully taste your creation, ensuring it’s not too hot to burn your tongue. Adjust the seasoning with more garlic, salt, or even a splash of the wine you’re drinking, according to your personal preference. -
Serve with Style
Serve your gumbo over a generous scoop of rice in large bowls. Ensure you have salt, pepper, and additional Tabasco on the table so everyone can customize their bowl to their taste. -
Enjoy the Company
Now that your gumbo is ready, take a moment to enjoy the meal with loved ones. Encourage conversation, and maybe even share a wink with your partner if you add extra Tabasco to your bowl! -
Post-Dinner Delight
After enjoying your meal, consider taking a leisurely walk around the neighborhood to aid digestion. Don’t forget to finish that bottle of wine while you reflect on the delightful cooking adventure you just had.
This Quick ‘n Easy Gumbo is sure to impress with its rich flavors and customizable ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy cooking and eating this delightful dish that combines the warmth of home cooking with the creativity of personal expression. Happy cooking!
