19 Big Easy Gumbo Recipe Southern Living You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 29, 2024
Gumbo, a traditional dish from Louisiana, is a staple in Southern cooking and has been enjoyed for generations. This hearty stew is a combination of different cultures and flavors, making it a melting pot of deliciousness. While there are many variations of gumbo, the Big Easy gumbo is a classic and must-try recipe for any gumbo lover. So, let's delve into the flavors of the South and learn how to make this mouth-watering Big Easy gumbo recipe from Southern Living.
This classic Southern dish gets a flavorful twist with the addition of beer can chicken. The rich and savory broth, filled with tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a variety of vegetables, is the ultimate comfort food. Serve over hot rice for a hearty and delicious meal.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Add a touch of sweetness to your cornbread by incorporating beer can chicken into the recipe. The result is a moist and flavorful bread that pairs perfectly with a bowl of chili or a plate of BBQ ribs. Make it in a cast iron skillet for a crispy crust and a rustic presentation.
This Southern staple gets a delicious upgrade with the addition of beer can chicken. The chicken is smothered in a rich and creamy gravy, creating a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for any occasion. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal.
Take your collard greens to the next level by cooking them with beer can chicken. The chicken infuses the greens with flavor, creating a delicious and nutritious side dish. Add some bacon or ham for an extra punch of flavor.
Beer can chicken adds a unique twist to this classic Southern dish. The tender and juicy chicken, combined with the traditional cornbread and herb stuffing, creates a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for any holiday meal. Don't forget the gravy!
Oxtails are a Southern delicacy, and they become even more delicious when cooked with beer can chicken. The chicken adds a depth of flavor to the rich and tender oxtails, creating a dish that is sure to impress. Serve over rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
Beer can chicken adds a unique twist to these classic Southern biscuits. The chicken adds moisture and flavor to the flaky and buttery dough, creating a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Serve with honey or jam for a sweet touch.
Upgrade your mac and cheese by incorporating beer can chicken into the mix. The tender and flavorful chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy and cheesy pasta, creating a comfort food dish that is sure to please. Add some breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
For a more decadent version of mac and cheese, try using beer can chicken instead of traditional chicken. The result is a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for any special occasion. Add some bacon or jalapenos for an extra kick.
Beer can chicken adds a new level of flavor to these classic Southern treats. The tender and juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the sweet and nutty pecan filling, creating a dessert that is both indulgent and unique. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious finish.
Take your peach cobbler to the next level by incorporating beer can chicken into the recipe. The chicken adds a savory element to the sweet and juicy peaches, creating a delicious and unexpected twist on this classic Southern dessert. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.
Beer can chicken adds a depth of flavor to this traditional Southern dish. The tender and juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the hearty and nutritious greens, creating a dish that is both comforting and delicious. Serve with some hot sauce for an extra kick.
Upgrade your pimento cheese by incorporating beer can chicken into the mix. The chicken adds a unique and savory element to this classic Southern spread, creating a dip that is sure to be a hit at any party. Serve with crackers or veggies for a tasty appetizer.
Beer can chicken adds a delicious twist to this simple and hearty Southern dish. The chicken infuses the cabbage with flavor, creating a dish that is both nutritious and delicious. Serve with cornbread for a complete meal.
Beer can chicken adds a touch of sweetness to this classic Southern staple. The chicken adds moisture and flavor to the cornbread, creating a dish that is perfect for any meal. Serve with some honey or molasses for a Southern touch.
Upgrade your sausage gravy by incorporating beer can chicken into the mix. The chicken adds a depth of flavor to the creamy and savory gravy, creating a dish that is perfect for biscuits and gravy. Serve with some scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast.
Add a touch of beer can chicken to your hush puppies for a unique and delicious twist. The chicken adds moisture and flavor to the crispy and golden bites, creating a perfect side dish for any Southern meal. Serve with some remoulade sauce for dipping.
Take your squash casserole to the next level by incorporating beer can chicken into the recipe. The chicken adds a savory element to the creamy and cheesy casserole, creating a dish that is sure to please. Serve as a side dish or a main course.
Upgrade your fried corn by incorporating beer can chicken into the mix. The chicken adds a touch of sweetness and a depth of flavor to this classic Southern side dish. Serve with some hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Take your shrimp and grits to the next level by incorporating beer can chicken into the mix. The chicken adds a unique and delicious element to this classic Southern dish, creating a meal that is both comforting and indulgent. Serve with some crusty bread for sopping up the savory sauce.
The Foundation: The Roux
The key to any good gumbo is a rich and flavorful roux, and the Big Easy gumbo is no exception. The roux is a mixture of fat (traditionally butter or oil) and flour, cooked together to create a thickening agent for the gumbo. In this recipe, we use smoked bacon fat for added flavor, and all-purpose flour to create a dark and nutty roux. This base is the foundation of the gumbo, providing a depth of flavor that cannot be achieved with any other ingredient.
Making the Roux
To make the roux, start by heating the fat in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Once heated, add in the flour and stir constantly until it turns a deep, chocolate brown color. This process can take up to 30 minutes, but the end result is well worth the effort. Once the roux is done, remove it from the heat to prevent it from burning and set it aside.
The Holy Trinity of Gumbo: Onions, Peppers, and Celery
Next up, we have the holy trinity of gumbo – onions, peppers, and celery. These three ingredients are the base of many Cajun and Creole dishes, including gumbo. In this recipe, we use red bell peppers for a slightly sweet flavor, yellow onions for a savory base, and celery for a hint of earthiness. These vegetables, when sautéed in the roux, provide a rich and complex flavor to the gumbo.
Sautéing the Holy Trinity
After making the roux, add in the chopped vegetables and stir until they are well coated in the roux. Continue to cook until the vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes. This step is crucial in building the flavors of the gumbo and cannot be rushed.
Flavor Explosion: The Seafood and Andouille
No gumbo is complete without the addition of seafood and andouille sausage. In this recipe, we use shrimp and crabmeat for a true taste of the Gulf Coast. Andouille sausage adds a smoky and spicy kick to the gumbo, giving it that authentic Cajun flavor. These ingredients are added to the pot and simmered until the seafood is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
Adding the Seafood and Andouille
Once the seafood and sausage are added, the gumbo is left to simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to come together. This is also a good time to adjust the seasoning with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Finally, the gumbo is served over white rice and topped with green onions and hot sauce for an extra kick.
In conclusion, the Big Easy gumbo recipe from Southern Living is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors of the South. With its rich and complex flavors, this gumbo is sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply for a cozy night in. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a delicious pot of gumbo that will transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana.
