Chicken Okra Gumbo

Chicken Okra Gumbo Recipe from USA | Delicious and Hearty

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken Okra Gumbo is a classic Southern dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, fresh okra, and a rich roux-based broth. This hearty and comforting stew is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.

History

Gumbo is a dish that originated in Louisiana and is a staple in Creole and Cajun cuisine. The word "gumbo" is derived from a West African word for okra, which is a key ingredient in many gumbo recipes. Chicken Okra Gumbo is a variation of this traditional dish that highlights the flavors of chicken and okra.

Ingredients

1 chicken, cut into pieces
1.5 lb (680 g) okra pods, trimmed
1 medium tomato, chopped
2 tbsp shortening
3 tbsp bacon drippings
2 tbsp flour
3 qt (2.84 liter) hot water
1 tsp salt
2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Coat the chicken with seasoned flour (salt and pepper), then fry it in bacon drippings until it turns golden brown. Set it aside.
In a separate skillet, fry the trimmed okra pods with tomato in shortening. Set it aside.
To the grease in which the chicken was fried, add flour and cook until it forms a dark roux.
Once the roux is ready, add the chicken and okra mixture. Stir briefly, then pour in hot water.
Season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for 2 hours.
Serve over mounds of white rice.

Variations

Add shrimp or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Use different spices such as cayenne pepper or paprika for a spicier gumbo.
Add diced bell peppers and celery for extra vegetables.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fry the chicken until it is golden brown to add flavor and texture to the dish.

- Cooking the roux until it is dark brown will give the gumbo a rich and nutty flavor.

- Simmering the gumbo for at least 2 hours will allow the flavors to meld together and create a delicious broth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Okra Gumbo over mounds of white rice for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for added flavor and color.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the chicken and okra adds flavor and texture to the dish.

- Cooking the roux until it is dark brown is key to creating a rich and flavorful broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable oil instead of bacon drippings for a lighter version of the dish.

- Use cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Chicken Okra Gumbo can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Okra Gumbo in a large bowl with a side of white rice. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Okra Gumbo with a side of cornbread or crusty French bread for a complete meal. Serve with a glass of sweet tea or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Chicken Okra Gumbo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 18g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 25% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: Gluten (from flour)

Summary

Chicken Okra Gumbo is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a balanced diet.

Summary

Chicken Okra Gumbo is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With a rich and flavorful broth, tender chicken, and fresh okra, this gumbo is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Chicken Okra Gumbo. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the small town of Bayou La Batre, Louisiana. My grandmother, Mama Adele, was the queen of the kitchen in our family. She was always whipping up delicious meals using recipes passed down through generations.

One hot summer day, Mama Adele invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare dinner. As she chopped onions, bell peppers, and okra, the fragrant aroma of simmering spices filled the air. I watched in awe as she expertly seasoned the chicken and browned it in a large pot. Then she added the vegetables and broth, letting the mixture cook slowly until it was thick and flavorful.

I asked Mama Adele where she learned to make such a delicious dish, and she smiled as she told me the story. Many years ago, when she was a young bride, Mama Adele had visited a friend in New Orleans who taught her how to make Chicken Okra Gumbo. The friend had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the family for generations.

From that day on, Mama Adele made Chicken Okra Gumbo a regular part of our family meals. It became a favorite among our relatives and friends, who would often stop by just to sample a bowl of the flavorful soup. Over the years, I watched Mama Adele make the dish countless times, learning the steps and techniques by heart.

As I grew older and began cooking for my own family, I made sure to carry on Mama Adele's tradition of making Chicken Okra Gumbo. I added my own twist to the recipe, incorporating different spices and ingredients to suit my family's tastes. My children grew up loving the dish, and it became a staple in our household just as it had been in Mama Adele's.

I remember one particular occasion when I decided to share my recipe with a new neighbor who had just moved in next door. She was a young woman from up north who had never tasted Southern cooking before. I invited her over for dinner and served her a steaming bowl of Chicken Okra Gumbo, along with a side of cornbread and sweet tea.

As she took her first bite, her eyes lit up with delight. She marveled at the rich flavors and the tender texture of the chicken and okra. She asked me where I had learned to make such a delicious dish, and I proudly told her the story of Mama Adele and the friend in New Orleans.

From that day on, my neighbor became a regular guest at our dinner table, always eager to sample whatever new dish I had cooked up. She even asked me to teach her how to make Chicken Okra Gumbo, and I gladly obliged. Together, we spent an afternoon in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, seasoning chicken, and stirring the bubbling pot of gumbo.

As the delicious aroma wafted through the house, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. I was passing down a cherished family recipe to a new generation, just as Mama Adele had done for me. I knew that my neighbor would continue to make Chicken Okra Gumbo for her own family and friends, spreading the joy and comfort of Southern cooking to all who tasted it.

And so, the tradition continued, with each new cook adding their own special touch to the recipe. I like to think that Mama Adele would be proud to see how far her beloved Chicken Okra Gumbo has traveled, bringing people together over a shared love of good food and cherished memories. For me, it will always be a reminder of the love and connection that can be passed down through generations, one delicious bowl at a time.