Authentic Gumbo Recipe + How To Freeze

Today, I want to share with you my all-time favorite gumbo recipe. Gumbo is a traditional stew that originated in Louisiana and combines a variety of ingredients such as seafood, sausage, vegetables, and a flavorful roux. It is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cold winter nights or as a family dinner.

This recipe has been passed down from my Louisiana-born grandmother and has been a staple in my household for years. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

What is gumbo?

Gumbo is a traditional stew that originated in Louisiana, United States. It typically includes a variety of ingredients such as seafood, sausage, vegetables, and a flavorful roux, which is a mixture of fat (such as oil or butter) and flour that is used to thicken the gumbo. Gumbo can also be made with chicken, beef, or a combination of meats.

In terms of health benefits, gumbo can be a nutritious dish if it is made with a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, seafood, and lean meats. Seafood, in particular, is a good source of protein and essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health. Vegetables also provide important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, it is important to note that gumbo can also be high in calories and fat, depending on the ingredients and how it is prepared. As with any food, it is important to enjoy gumbo in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Recipe of Gumbo

Here is a traditional gumbo recipe with step-by-step instructions:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound sausage, sliced
• 1 pound seafood (such as shrimp, crab, or a combination), shelled and deveined
• 1 pound chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook, stirring constantly until the roux turns a deep golden brown, about 10-15 minutes. Add the onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the sausage to the pot and cook until it is browned about 5 minutes. Add the seafood, chicken, chicken broth, water, tomatoes, thyme, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.
3. Serve the gumbo over cooked white rice. Enjoy!
4. You may also like to read: How to Tell When Your Turkey Bacon Is Done

What to do with leftover gumbo?

There are several ways to use leftover gumbo:

1. Freeze it: Gumbo freezes well, so you can store it in an airtight container and save it for a later date. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw the gumbo in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
2. Make gumbo bowls: Gumbo is delicious served over rice, but you can also use it to create a gumbo bowl by adding it to a bed of cooked grains such as quinoa or millet, or to a bed of greens such as spinach or kale.
3. Use it as a topping: Gumbo makes a great topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes. Simply top a baked potato or sweet potato with a scoop of gumbo and sprinkle with cheese, if desired.
4. Make gumbo fried rice: Gumbo fried rice is a delicious and easy way to use up leftover gumbo. Simply cook some rice and mix in some diced vegetables, scrambled eggs, and leftover gumbo.
5. Make gumbo omelet: Gumbo omelet is a tasty way to use up leftover gumbo for breakfast. Simply mix some gumbo into beaten eggs and cook in a pan to make a savory omelet.

How to defrost frozen gumbo?

There are several ways to defrost frozen gumbo:

1. Refrigerator method: The safest and most effective way to defrost frozen gumbo is to place it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This will allow the gumbo to thaw slowly and evenly, which will help to preserve its texture and flavor.
2. Cold water method: If you need to defrost the gumbo more quickly, you can place the frozen gumbo in a leak-proof bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure that it stays cold and to speed up the thawing process.
3. Microwave method: Another option is to defrost the gumbo in the microwave. Place the frozen gumbo in a microwave-safe dish and microwave it on the defrost setting for a few minutes, stirring every few minutes to ensure that it thaws evenly.

It is important to note that it is not recommended to defrost gumbo or any other food at room temperature, as this can allow bacteria to grow and can increase the risk of food poisoning.

How long you can freeze gumbo?

Gumbo can be frozen for up to 3 months and still maintain its quality. However, it is best to consume it within 1-2 months for optimal flavor and texture.

How long can you keep gumbo in the fridge?

Gumbo can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. To store gumbo, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to eat the gumbo, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it is hot all the way through.

Conclusion

In conclusion, gumbo is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd. While it is best served fresh, you can also freeze it for future meals. To freeze gumbo, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.

Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat the frozen gumbo, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it is hot all the way through. Enjoy your homemade gumbo anytime with this easy freezing method.