Basic Gumbo

This is a basic, bare bones gumbo recipe. Variations can be made by adding different kings of meat or seafood. It can also be modified for vegetarians by eliminating the chicken and using vegetable stock.

4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
4 Tbsp Flour
4 Cups Chicken Stock
1 Cup Water
2 Tbsp + 1 tsp Canola Oil
1 1/2 lbs Chicken Drumsticks
1 White Onion, chopped
2 Green Bell Peppers, chopped
2 ribs Celery, chopped
1/2 lb Okra, 1/2" slices
2 tsp Paprika
1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1 tsp Red Chili Flakes
1 tsp Onion Powder
1 tsp Garlic Powder
Salt

Start by preparing the vegetables. Soak the sliced okra in cold water for 10 minutes to minimize the slime. Drain, rinse and drain again. Salt and pepper the chicken. In a large soup pot, heat 1 tsp of Canola Oil over medium heat and brown the chicken (approx 10 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Add the remaining canola oil, onion, bell pepper and celery to the pot and saute until soft (7-10 minutes). Add the paprika, cayenne, pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, 1 tsp of salt and the okra. Stir frequently and heat for an additional 4 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the pot and heat 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until melted. Add the flour and stir continuously until the mixture turns medium brown (can take up to 20 minutes). Using a whisk, add the chicken stock slowly. If too many lumps form, stop adding liquid and whisk quickly. Pour in the water and the meat and vegetables back to the pot. Simmer the gumbo covered for a minimum of 45 minutes. Taste for salt. Serve over rice.

The Enlightened Palate

Basic Gumbo