Crock Pot Mungo Gumbo Recipe
If you love hearty, flavorful, and satisfying stews, this Crock Pot Mungo Gumbo is sure to become a new favorite in your household. While this gumbo lacks the traditional okra, it still packs a punch in terms of flavor and texture, thanks to the rich roux, smoky sausage, tender chicken, and aromatic vegetables. The addition of mung beans creates a unique twist, adding a subtle earthy flavor that complements the spicy, savory broth. Serve it over white or brown rice for a perfect meal, and enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that requires minimal prep work but delivers maximum flavor!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Gumbo
- Cuisine: Creole
- Servings: 4
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Ingredients
The ingredients for this gumbo are simple but come together to create a mouthwatering dish that’s both filling and flavorful. Here’s what you need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White flour | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh sage | 1/3 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 1/3 cup |
| Chili peppers (chopped) | 1 whole |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Chicken breast halves | 4 pieces |
| Smoked sausage | 1 smoked sausage |
| Celery (diced) | 3 stalks |
| Onion (chopped) | 3/4 onion |
| Sweet bell peppers (chopped) | 1 whole |
| Green bell pepper (chopped) | 1 whole |
| Zucchini (sliced) | 1 1/2 medium zucchinis |
| Mung beans (soaked) | 1 1/2 cups |
Nutritional Information
This hearty gumbo serves up a great balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, making it a perfect one-dish meal. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1003.8 kcal |
| Fat Content | 62.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 117.6 mg |
| Sodium | 2065.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 57.9 g |
| Fiber | 10.2 g |
| Sugar | 8.4 g |
| Protein | 52.5 g |
Instructions
The key to making this gumbo is patience and timing, especially when preparing the roux. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a flavorful dish ready in no time!
1. Prepare the Mung Beans
- Begin by soaking the mung beans overnight in 2 1/2 cups of water. After soaking, rinse the beans twice under cold water before adding them to the gumbo later.
2. Make the Roux
- In a heavy skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the white flour and stir constantly. The goal here is to cook the flour until it becomes a deep reddish-brown color, which typically takes about 10 minutes. Be patient and keep stirring to avoid burning the roux. A good roux will give your gumbo that signature rich, nutty flavor.
3. Add the Chicken Broth
- Once the roux has reached the desired color, gradually stir in the chicken broth using a whisk. Keep stirring to ensure that the roux and broth combine smoothly and form a nice, thick sauce. The texture should be creamy and slightly velvety.
4. Season the Sauce
- To the sauce, add the fresh sage, minced garlic, and chopped chili peppers. Stir to combine and let the flavors meld together for a minute or two.
5. Transfer the Sauce to the Crockpot
- Pour the prepared sauce into your crockpot. Make sure the sauce is evenly distributed across the bottom of the pot to create a solid base for the rest of the ingredients.
6. Add the Remaining Ingredients
- Into the crockpot, add the remaining ingredients: chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces or left whole), smoked sausage (sliced), celery, onion, bell peppers, zucchini, and the soaked and rinsed mung beans. Stir everything together to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
7. Slow Cook the Gumbo
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set the heat to low. Let the gumbo cook for 6 hours, allowing all the flavors to blend together and the mung beans to soften.
8. Final Touches and Serving
- Once the cooking time is up, check the gumbo for seasoning. You can add a bit more salt or pepper if desired. Serve your gumbo over a bed of white or brown rice, depending on your preference. The brown rice pairs particularly well with the gumbo, offering a nuttier flavor that complements the savory dish.
Tips and Variations
-
Roux Perfection: If you’ve never made a roux before, it might take a few attempts to perfect it. The key is to be patient and not rush it. Stir constantly, and keep a close eye on the color—it should be deep brown, but not burnt.
-
Mung Beans: Mung beans are an interesting twist in this gumbo, offering a slight sweetness and a soft texture once cooked. If you prefer a more traditional gumbo, you can leave the mung beans out, but they add an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
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Spice Level: Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili peppers you use. For a milder version, you can omit the peppers or use a mild chili variety.
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Vegetarian Option: To make a vegetarian version of this gumbo, simply omit the chicken and sausage, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or okra (if you wish) for additional texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Mungo Gumbo
This recipe is ideal for busy days when you want a flavorful, comforting meal with minimal effort. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, while the smoked sausage and chicken provide the perfect amount of heartiness. The mung beans add a unique element, making this gumbo stand out from traditional recipes. With only 20 minutes of prep time and 6 hours of hands-off cooking, you can set it and forget it, coming home to a delicious, ready-to-serve meal.
Whether you’re cooking for a family or hosting a small gathering, this gumbo is sure to impress. It’s also a great make-ahead dish that can be stored in the fridge for leftovers the next day, making it even better the second time around!
Enjoy this cozy, comforting stew, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones—it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more.
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