Cowboy Gumbo

Authentic American Cowboy Gumbo Recipe with Shrimp and Okra

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cowboy Gumbo is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the rich flavors of the American Southwest with the traditional Cajun flavors of Louisiana. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family.

History

Cowboy Gumbo has its roots in the American West, where cowboys would often make hearty stews using whatever ingredients they had on hand. Over time, this dish evolved to include ingredients like okra, tomatoes, and seafood, giving it a unique and delicious flavor.

Ingredients

0.25 cup butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup chopped white onion
0.5 cup chopped green pepper
2 cup water
14.5 oz (411 g) can tomatoes
6 oz (170 g) can tomato paste
1 tbsp dried parsley
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
2 tsp instant beef bouillon
1 tsp chili powder
0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
0.13 tsp basil
0.13 tsp ground cloves
16 oz (454 g) package frozen okra
2.5 lb (1.13 kg) peeled, deveined shrimp, crabmeat, crayfish (or combination)
3 cup hot cooked rice

How to prepare

In a heavy saucepot or Dutch oven, combine flour and butter. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is light brown.
Add garlic, onion, and peppers. Cook until tender.
Stir in water, undrained tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and cook covered for 30 minutes.
Add okra and seafood. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for another 15 minutes.
Remove bay leaf and serve with rice.

Variations

Substitute shrimp or chicken for the crayfish.
Add in additional vegetables like corn or bell peppers for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the flour and butter mixture on low heat to avoid burning.

- Be sure to stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cowboy Gumbo with a side of cornbread or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the gumbo on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh okra instead of frozen if available.

- Substitute vegetable broth for water for a vegetarian version.

Make Ahead Tips

Cowboy Gumbo can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cowboy Gumbo in individual bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Cowboy Gumbo with a crisp salad or coleslaw for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Cowboy Gumbo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 5g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g

- Saturated Fat: 5g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 30g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20%

- Vitamin C: 40%

- Calcium: 10%

- Iron: 25%

Alergens

Contains shellfish (crayfish)

Summary

Cowboy Gumbo is a rich and flavorful dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a great option for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Summary

Cowboy Gumbo is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of the American West with the traditional Cajun flavors of Louisiana. This hearty stew is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Lila on her ranch in Texas. Lila was a fantastic cook and always had the most delicious meals prepared for us. On this particular day, she told me she was going to make her famous Cowboy Gumbo for dinner.

I had never heard of Cowboy Gumbo before, but I was intrigued. As Lila gathered all the ingredients and began to cook, I watched in awe. The aromas that filled the kitchen were mouthwatering, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the Cowboy Gumbo, and it was like a burst of flavor in my mouth. The combination of tender beef, spicy sausage, and hearty vegetables was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I begged Lila to share the recipe with me, and she happily obliged.

She told me that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had learned it from her grandmother before her. It was a family recipe that had been passed down through the generations, and Lila was proud to continue the tradition.

I made sure to write down every step and ingredient as Lila dictated them to me. I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my own kitchen, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in gathering all the ingredients needed to make the Cowboy Gumbo. As I cooked, the familiar scents filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that warm summer day on Lila's ranch.

I took my first bite of the finished dish, and it was just as delicious as I remembered. The flavors were rich and bold, the perfect balance of spicy and savory. I knew that this recipe would be a staple in my repertoire for years to come.

Over the years, I have made Cowboy Gumbo countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to make it my own. I have added my own signature touches, like a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added freshness.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, and it has become a beloved dish in our household. Whenever I make Cowboy Gumbo, it brings back memories of that special day with Lila, learning a new recipe and creating a delicious meal together.

As I sit here now, writing this story, I can't help but feel grateful for the friendships and experiences that have enriched my life. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am thankful for all the recipes and techniques that have been passed down to me over the years.

The recipe for Cowboy Gumbo holds a special place in my heart, not just for its delicious flavors, but for the memories it evokes. It is a reminder of the joy of cooking and the connections we make through food.

I will always treasure the day I learned to make Cowboy Gumbo, and I look forward to passing the recipe down to future generations. Cooking is more than just preparing a meal – it is a way to connect with others, to create memories, and to carry on traditions. And for me, Cowboy Gumbo will always be a symbol of that.