Gumbo is a hearty, flavorful stew rooted in Louisiana Creole and Cajun culinary traditions. This version features classic Southern ingredients like okra, tomatoes, and shrimp, seasoned with parsley and bay leaf, then thickened with filé powder for that signature gumbo texture. The roux provides a rich base, while canned shrimp makes the dish accessible and quick to prepare. It's a beloved comfort food that reflects the fusion of French, African, and Native American influences unique to the Gulf Coast.
Ingredients
- ½ cup onions (chopped)
- 1 cup fresh okra (sliced)
- 1 cup tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp parsley flakes
- 1 tbsp filé powder
- 10 oz shrimp (2 cans, drained)
- ½ cup prepared roux (or make from ¼ cup flour and ¼ cup oil)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Base
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
- Stir in the okra, tomatoes, bay leaf, parsley flakes, and filé powder. Cook for 5–7 minutes.
Step 3: Add Roux
- Add prepared roux to the pot. Stir well to combine with the vegetables and cook for 10 minutes, stirring often.
Step 4: Simmer
- Add 2½ cups water or seafood stock. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, allowing flavors to develop.
Step 5: Add Shrimp
- Stir in canned shrimp and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through. Remove bay leaf.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve hot over steamed rice.
Tips
- Stir the roux constantly to prevent burning and achieve deeper flavor
- Add shrimp only at the end to avoid overcooking
- Fresh okra can be sliced thin to reduce sliminess
- A pinch of cayenne or hot sauce adds traditional heat
- Serve over rice for a heartier meal
- Bay leaf should be removed before serving
- Parsley flakes may be replaced with fresh parsley if available
- This gumbo thickens more as it sits
- Leftovers taste even better the next day
Nutrition
Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 18gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 410mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 95mgIron: 2.4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!