19 Award Winning Gumbo Recipe Southern Living Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Southern living is known for its rich and flavorful cuisine, and one dish that stands out in particular is gumbo. This hearty stew originated in Louisiana and has become a staple in Southern households and restaurants alike. With so many variations and techniques, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect gumbo recipe. Luckily, we have found an award-winning gumbo recipe that will satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests. So put on your apron and get ready to cook up a delicious batch of gumbo!
If you're a fan of Cajun flavors, then this Southern Shrimp Gumbo recipe is a must-try. The rich flavors of the seafood broth, combined with the trinity of peppers, onions, and celery, make for a hearty and flavorful dish. And let's not forget about the juicy shrimp that adds a burst of flavor with every bite. This recipe is sure to impress any crowd, and it's perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of cornbread. And this recipe for Southern Skillet Cornbread is the epitome of comfort food. Made with buttermilk and baked in a cast-iron skillet, this cornbread is fluffy, moist, and has a crispy crust. Serve it alongside some Southern BBQ or use it to soak up the delicious juices from your favorite stew or chili.
Looking for a delicious and easy weeknight meal? Look no further than this Southern Smothered Chicken recipe. Tender chicken thighs are smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy made with onions, garlic, and herbs. It's the perfect comfort food and pairs well with a side of mashed potatoes and greens.
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Award-Winning Pecan-Crusted Nashville Hot Chicken
Main Ingredients: Buttermilk, Pickle Brine, Shurfine Louisiana Style Hot
Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this Award-Winning Pecan-Crusted Nashville Hot Chicken. The combination of crunchy pecans and spicy hot sauce creates a flavor explosion in your mouth. And the best part? This recipe is baked, not fried, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, and this recipe for Southern Collard Greens is a classic. The greens are cooked low and slow with bacon, onions, and spices, resulting in a dish that is tender and full of flavor. Serve it as a side dish or add some protein, like smoked turkey or ham, to make it a complete meal.
Thanksgiving is not complete without a side of cornbread dressing, and this Southern Cornbread Dressing is sure to be a hit at your holiday table. Made with crumbled cornbread, sautéed vegetables, and herbs, this dressing is a savory and delicious addition to any meal. And don't forget to top it off with some homemade gravy for the perfect finishing touch.
Oxtails may not be the most common cut of meat, but they are a favorite in Southern cooking. This recipe for Southern Smothered Oxtails is a slow-cooked dish that results in tender and flavorful meat. The oxtails are smothered in a rich and savory gravy and served over rice or with your favorite side dishes.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of biscuits, and this recipe for Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits is a game-changer. These biscuits are light, fluffy, and buttery, with a golden-brown crust that will have you coming back for seconds. Serve them alongside some gravy or use them to make a breakfast sandwich for the ultimate Southern indulgence.
Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food, and this Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe takes it to the next level. Made with a creamy cheese sauce and topped with a crispy breadcrumb and cheese topping, this dish is decadent and delicious. It's the perfect side dish for any meal or a satisfying main dish on its own.
Yes, we have another mac and cheese recipe on this list, but trust us, this one is worth trying too. This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is a little different, with the addition of eggs and evaporated milk, making it extra creamy and custardy. And don't forget the secret ingredient – a can of condensed cheddar cheese soup. This dish is the ultimate comfort food and will have you going back for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
If you love pecan pie but don't want to deal with the hassle of making a pie crust, then these Southern Pecan Pie Bars are for you. These bars have all the deliciousness of pecan pie, with a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey pecan filling. Plus, they are easy to make and perfect for sharing at potlucks and parties.
Nothing screams summer in the South like a warm and gooey peach cobbler. This recipe for Southern Peach Cobbler is a classic and will transport you to a front porch swing on a hot summer day. The tender peaches are topped with a buttery and crispy crust, making for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
If you're a fan of collard greens, then this recipe for Classic Southern Collard Greens is a must-try. The greens are cooked low and slow with smoked turkey, giving them a rich and smoky flavor. And don't forget a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Serve them as a side dish or add some protein to make it a complete meal.
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple and can be used in a variety of ways – as a dip, a spread, or a topping for burgers and sandwiches. This recipe for Southern Pimento Cheese is easy to make and can be customized to your taste preferences. Add some extra heat with hot sauce or mix in some bacon for a smoky twist.
Cabbage may not be the most glamorous vegetable, but this Southern Cabbage recipe will change your mind. The cabbage is cooked with bacon, onions, and spices, resulting in a dish that is full of flavor and perfect for any meal. Serve it alongside some cornbread and your favorite protein for a complete Southern meal.
There's no such thing as too much cornbread, and this Southern Cornbread recipe is a must-try. This version uses both cornmeal and flour for a lighter and fluffier texture, and it's baked in a cast-iron skillet for a crispy crust. Serve it alongside your favorite Southern dishes, or enjoy it on its own as a snack.
Biscuits and gravy is a classic Southern breakfast dish, and this recipe for Southern Sausage Gravy is a game-changer. The gravy is made with sausage, milk, and spices, resulting in a creamy and flavorful sauce that is perfect for topping off your flaky biscuits. It's the ultimate comfort food and will have you starting your day off on the right foot.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish, and this recipe for Southern Hush Puppies is sure to be a hit. These crispy, deep-fried balls of cornmeal batter are the perfect accompaniment to any seafood dish. And the best part? They are easy to make and will be ready in no time.
Squash casserole is a popular Southern dish, and this recipe for Southern Squash Casserole is a winner. The squash is cooked with onions, bell pepper, and cheese, resulting in a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Serve it as a side dish or add some protein to make it a complete meal.
If you're looking for a twist on the classic Southern side dish of creamed corn, then this recipe for Southern Fried Corn is for you. The corn is fried in bacon drippings and mixed with onions and peppers, resulting in a delicious and indulgent dish. It's the perfect complement to any meal and will have your taste buds singing.
The Secret to the Perfect Gumbo
Start with a Roux
The key to any good gumbo is a dark, rich roux. This is the base of the dish and will provide a deep, nutty flavor. To make the roux, heat equal parts of oil and flour in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns a dark brown color. This process can take up to 30 minutes, but it is worth the effort. The darker the roux, the more flavor it will add to your gumbo.
Choose the Right Sausage
Another important component of gumbo is the sausage. Andouille sausage is the traditional choice, but you can also use smoked sausage or even chicken andouille for a healthier option. Whichever sausage you choose, make sure to sauté it before adding it to the gumbo. This will help enhance the flavor and give it a nice crispy texture.
Add the Trinity
No, we're not talking about The Matrix here. The "trinity" in gumbo refers to the holy trinity of vegetables - onions, bell peppers, and celery. These three ingredients provide the base flavor for the gumbo and should be sautéed in the roux until they are soft and translucent. This step is crucial in creating a depth of flavor in your gumbo.
Spice it Up
The spices used in gumbo are what give it its signature kick. Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and file powder are all essential spices to add to your gumbo. However, be mindful of the heat level and adjust according to your preference. You can always add more spice, but you can't take it away once it's been added.
Let it Simmer
The key to developing rich and complex flavors in gumbo is patience. Let your gumbo simmer for at least an hour, allowing all the ingredients to marry together and the flavors to deepen. This will also give the gumbo time to thicken and become the perfect consistency.
Serve with Love
After all the hard work and patience, it's time to enjoy your award-winning gumbo. Serve it over a bed of rice and garnish with green onions and a sprinkle of file powder. Your guests will be blown away by the layers of flavor and heartiness of this traditional Southern dish.
In summary, this award-winning gumbo recipe is the perfect balance of flavors and techniques. With a rich and savory roux, flavorful sausage, and the holy trinity of vegetables, this gumbo is sure to become a household favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and impress your family and friends with a taste of the South.
