Gumbo

[moondawg]

Is gumbo supposed to be thick, or watery? I like mine a little thick. But it turns out a little watery. The recipe I use calls for a 28 oz can of tomatoes, and 32 oz of chicken broth. Perhaps I should reduce the tomatoes and the chicken broth?

Also...do you make the roux, and add everything to the roux? Or do you add the roux to everything that's in the pot as it's cooking?

 

[mike243]

I cook my Trinity in the roux then add the broth & other stuf

 

[BamaProud]

yes and no.

...gumbo is whatever you make of it. kinda like chilli.

I found this recipe years ago. If I have a base recipe for gumbo this would be it(substitute duck for whatever you want), but I've adapted it quite a bit.

http://recipes.stevex.net/recipe/south_texas_duck_gumbo

 

[moondawg]

Thanks! I was told that gumbo was like a "throw what you got into a pot" kind of thing. Hence, all the variations. I was told that the base is pretty much the trinity and the roux. Other than that, you can pretty much put what you want in it.

And just like chili, there are going to be some purists that argue what is gumbo and what isn't. What to put in gumbo, and what not to put in it.

I can never remember what's in the trinity, I have to look it up. It's bell pepper, onion, and celery. I add garlic to it and call it the Four Horsemen.

 

[BigAl]

I prefer mine really thick. If its not, I'd call it soup instead of Gumbo. Perhaps less broth and drain the tomatoes?

 

[moondawg]

I prefer mine really thick. If its not, I'd call it soup instead of Gumbo. Perhaps less broth and drain the tomatoes?

Same here, Big Al. I think that's what I'm gonna do. Maybe that'll help.

 

[mike243]

File is used at the end to thicken. That is sassafras leaves ground up very fine for folks that don't know.MY wife likes it soupy with crusty bread for dipping.as long as the flavor is rite I don't care.most of the time I use brown rice

 

[BamaProud]

Okra is a good thickener too.

 

[moondawg]

I use both okra and file powder.

I was wondering about brown or wild rice. I know most gumbos have white rice. I don't like white rice that much. But I do like wild rice a lot...thinking about trying it.