18 Southern Living Best Gumbo Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Apr 16, 2024
Gumbo is a beloved dish in the South, known for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. From its humble beginnings in Louisiana, gumbo has become a staple in Southern cuisine and has gained popularity all over the country. With so many variations and recipes out there, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect gumbo recipe. But look no further, because we've got the ultimate guide to Southern Living's best gumbo recipe.
Main Ingredients: Water, Salt, Quaker Quick Grits, Cream Cheese, Crushed
If you’re a fan of Southern cuisine, you’ll love this recipe from Southern Living. The spicy kick from the jalapenos pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy cheese grits. And when you add the flavorful beer can chicken on top, it’s a match made in heaven.
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Chicken Andouille Sausage Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Water, Okra, Unsalted Butter, All Purpose
This hearty and flavorful gumbo is a Southern classic that will warm you up on a cold day. The combination of chicken and andouille sausage creates a rich and delicious broth that will have you going back for seconds. Serve it with rice for a complete meal.
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Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo (aka Gumbo Ya Ya)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Flour, Chicken, Black Pepper, Salt, All
Here’s another take on the classic gumbo recipe, this time from Gumbo Ya Ya. The addition of okra and shrimp adds extra flavor and texture to this already delicious dish. Don’t forget to top it off with some hot sauce for an extra kick.
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A Southern Living Preview
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black
If you’re a fan of Southern Living, you’ll definitely want to try this recipe for beer can chicken. It’s simple and straightforward, but the addition of a few special herbs and spices takes it to the next level. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those leftover beer cans.
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Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Okra, Unsalted Butter, All Purpose Flour
This recipe for gumbo is a bit more involved, but the end result is worth it. The homemade roux adds depth and richness to the dish, and the combination of chicken, shrimp, and sausage creates a flavorful and satisfying meal. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping.
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Gumbo from Scratch with a Gumbo Roux
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Andouille Sausage
If you’re feeling ambitious, try making this gumbo from scratch with a homemade gumbo roux. It may take a bit more time and effort, but the end result is a rich and flavorful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t skimp on the spices – that’s what gives this gumbo its signature flavor.
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Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Yukon Gold Potatoes, Salt, Butter, Half And Half, Cream
No meal is complete without some delicious mashed potatoes, and this recipe is the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. The secret to perfect mashed potatoes is to use a combination of butter and heavy cream for a rich and creamy texture. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
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Easy Peach Cobbler
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking
For a sweet and satisfying dessert, try this easy peach cobbler recipe. The combination of juicy peaches and a buttery biscuit topping is a match made in heaven. And the best part? It only takes a few minutes to throw together, leaving you more time to enjoy your beer can chicken.
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Lucy Buffett’s Winter Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Whole Chicken, Water, Bay Leaves, Andouille Sausage
This gumbo recipe from Lucy Buffett is perfect for those cold winter days when you need something hearty and comforting. The addition of winter vegetables like butternut squash and sweet potatoes adds a unique twist to the classic gumbo recipe. Serve it with a side of cornbread for a satisfying meal.
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Shrimp and Okra Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Butter, Finely Chopped Onion, Chopped Green Bell
This gumbo recipe is a bit different from the traditional version, as it uses shrimp and okra as the main ingredients. The result is a flavorful and slightly spicy dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. And the best part? It only takes about 30 minutes to make.
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Shrimp-and-Andouille Gumbo Dip
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Andouille Sausage, Red Bell Pepper, Chopped
If you’re looking for something a little different, try this gumbo dip recipe. It combines all the flavors of a traditional gumbo into a delicious and creamy dip that is perfect for parties or game day. Serve it with some tortilla chips or French bread for dipping.
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Martina McBride's Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Kosher Salt, Black
If you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, try this recipe for creamy chicken tortilla soup. The combination of chicken, beans, and corn creates a hearty and flavorful soup that will warm you up on a cold day. And the best part? It only takes about 20 minutes to make.
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Rasberry Family Shrimp-and-Sausage Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Smoked Sausage, Okra, Large Onion, Diced
This gumbo recipe comes from the Rasberry family and is a family favorite. It’s made with a combination of shrimp, sausage, and chicken, and the result is a rich and flavorful gumbo that is perfect for any occasion. Serve it with some crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
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Chicken-Andouille Gumbo with Roasted Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Andouille Sausage, Peanut Oil, All Purpose Flour, Large
This gumbo recipe is a bit unique, as it uses roasted potatoes instead of rice. The combination of chicken and andouille sausage creates a rich and flavorful broth, and the potatoes add a nice texture to the dish. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping.
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Fire Crackers
Main Ingredients: Saltine Crackers, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black
If you’re a fan of spicy snacks, you’ll love these fire crackers. They’re made with saltine crackers, ranch mix, and red pepper flakes for a spicy and addictive treat. Serve them as an appetizer before your beer can chicken dinner.
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Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Smoked
Jambalaya is another classic Southern dish that is perfect for using up leftover beer can chicken. This recipe combines chicken, sausage, and rice for a flavorful and hearty meal that is perfect for feeding a crowd. Don’t forget to top it off with some hot sauce for an extra kick.
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Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Elbow Macaroni, Milk, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Salt
If you’re in the mood for some good old-fashioned comfort food, you can’t go wrong with this recipe for classic baked macaroni and cheese. The combination of creamy cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumbs is a match made in heaven. Serve it as a side dish with your beer can chicken.
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Creole Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Water, Distilled White Vinegar, Okra, Unsalted Butter
This gumbo recipe is a bit different from the traditional version, as it uses a Creole spice blend for added flavor. The combination of chicken, shrimp, and sausage creates a rich and flavorful broth that will have you going back for seconds. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping.
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Non-Alcoholic Margarita Mocktail
Main Ingredients: Limeade, Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice, Fresh Lime Juice
For a refreshing and non-alcoholic drink to pair with your beer can chicken, try this margarita mocktail recipe. It’s made with a combination of lime juice, orange juice, and sparkling water for a citrusy and bubbly treat. Serve it over ice for a refreshing drink.
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One-pan Pasta With Chicken Sausage, Mushrooms, and...
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chicken Sausage, Cremini Mushrooms, Unsalted
If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, this one-pan pasta dish is the way to go. It’s made with chicken sausage, mushrooms, and a creamy tomato sauce for a flavorful and satisfying meal. And the best part? It only takes about 30 minutes to make.
The History of Gumbo
Gumbo has a long and interesting history, dating back to the 18th century when Louisiana was a melting pot of cultures. The word "gumbo" is believed to have originated from the Bantu word for okra, which is a key ingredient in many gumbo recipes. It's said that gumbo was first created by African slaves who used okra as a thickening agent for their stews. As time passed, other cultures such as French, Spanish, and Native American also added their own influences to the dish, resulting in the gumbo we know and love today.
The Key Ingredients
While there are many variations of gumbo, there are a few key ingredients that are essential to the dish. These include the "holy trinity" of Cajun and Creole cooking: onions, bell peppers, and celery. The combination of these three ingredients forms the base of the gumbo and provides a flavorful foundation for the rest of the ingredients. Another important ingredient is the roux, a mixture of flour and oil that is cooked until it reaches a rich, dark brown color. This adds depth and thickness to the gumbo.
Southern Living's Best Gumbo Recipe
Now that we have a brief history and understanding of the key ingredients, it's time to dive into Southern Living's best gumbo recipe. This recipe stays true to traditional Louisiana-style gumbo, with a few added twists for extra flavor. The recipe calls for a combination of Andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp, creating a well-rounded and hearty gumbo. The roux is made from equal parts butter and flour, cooked until it reaches a deep chocolate color. And of course, the holy trinity of onions, bell peppers, and celery is included in this recipe.
But the secret ingredient that sets this gumbo apart is the addition of filé powder, made from ground sassafras leaves. This adds a distinct flavor to the gumbo and thickens the broth to the perfect consistency.
In Summary
Gumbo may have a complex history, but with the right recipe, it can be a simple and delicious dish to make at home. Southern Living's best gumbo recipe combines traditional ingredients with a few added twists to create a flavorful and authentic gumbo experience. So next time you're craving some Southern comfort food, give this recipe a try and taste the rich history and flavors in every bite.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouth-watering gumbo recipe, and let the rich flavors transport you to the heart of Louisiana.
