Forktionary

Barb's Gumbo Recipe

Dive into a bowl of Barb's legendary Gumbo! This flavorful recipe is easily customizable – make it with succulent shrimp, tender chicken, or both! Control the spice level to your liking, from subtly seasoned to fiery hot. This classic Southern comfort food is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for a taste of Louisiana heaven!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 65 mins
Calories 307.5 kcal
Protein 31g
Rating 4.9 (51 Reviews)
Barb's Gumbo 89

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Barb's Gumbo

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 stalks chopped celery
  • 1 chopped bell pepper
  • 1 medium chopped yellow onion
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (10 ounce) package frozen okra
  • 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp (optional)
  • steamed rice, for serving
  • 1.5 pounds cubed chicken breast (optional)
  • 8 ounces smoked sausage (optional)
  • 6 ounces canned crabmeat (optional)

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How to Make Barb's Gumbo

  1. Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour to create a dark roux (this will take about 15-20 minutes, stirring constantly).
  2. Add 1 medium chopped onion, 2 stalks chopped celery, 1 chopped bell pepper, 4 cloves minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon black pepper to the roux. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until vegetables are softened.
  3. Gradually whisk in 8 cups of chicken broth, 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference), 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained, 1 (10 ounce) package frozen okra, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 bay leaf.
  4. Bring the gumbo to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
  5. Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
  6. For shrimp gumbo: Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
  7. For chicken gumbo: Add 1.5 pounds of cubed chicken breast during the last 20-30 minutes of simmering. You can also add 8 ounces of smoked sausage along with the chicken.
  8. For a crab gumbo: Add one 6 ounce can of crabmeat with the shrimp.
  9. Serve hot over steamed rice.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

53 g

Sugar

28g

Fat

7g

Carbs

9g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Soups, Stews & Chilis Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Poultry Chicken Recipes Seafood Shrimp Recipes The Americas American Cajun & Creole Southern

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American Low Protein Gumbo Main Dish Rice Seafood Vegetables American Southern United States Potluck Stews Shrimp Stove Top Creole Dietary Spicy Low Cholesterol Low Saturated Fat Low Calorie Low Carb Healthy 2 Low In Something Pasta Rice And Grains Shellfish Onions Peppers Tomatoes Taste Mood To Go Equipment Presentation Served Hot 4 Hours Or Less