Turkey Gumbo

Delicious Turkey Gumbo Recipe from USA with Okra, Celery, Onion and Green Pepper

Region / culture: USA | Servings: - 4

Introduction

Turkey Gumbo is a delicious and hearty dish that originated in the southern United States. This flavorful stew is made with a combination of turkey, okra, vegetables, and spices, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

History

Gumbo is a traditional dish that has its roots in Louisiana Creole cuisine. It is believed to have been influenced by African, French, Spanish, and Native American culinary traditions. The dish typically consists of a strongly flavored stock, meat or shellfish, and vegetables, thickened with a roux or okra. Turkey Gumbo is a variation of this classic dish, using turkey as the main protein.

Ingredients

2 tbsp margarine
0.5 lb (227 g) fresh or frozen okra, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups chopped celery
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small sweet green pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
8 oz (227 g) can tomato paste
4 ripe tomatoes, peeled or 16 oz (454 g) can peeled tomatoes
2 cups water
2 cups chopped cooked turkey
0.75 tsp gumbo filé powder
cooked rice

How to prepare

Melt the margarine in a large skillet. Add the okra and sauté until the okra loses its shiny appearance, about 5 minutes.
Remove the okra pieces to a bowl.
Add the celery, onion, green pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook over medium heat until the onion is transparent.
Add the tomato paste, tomatoes, water, okra mixture, and turkey. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes or until the turkey is hot.
Add the file powder and stir to blend.
Spoon the mixture over the rice in soup bowls.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding shrimp, crab, or sausage for a different flavor profile. You can also adjust the level of spice by adding more or less cayenne pepper.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the gumbo, consider using homemade turkey stock instead of water.

- For a thicker gumbo, you can add a roux made from equal parts flour and oil to the dish.

- Gumbo is best when allowed to simmer for a longer period of time, as this allows the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Turkey Gumbo over cooked rice for a complete meal. You can also garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful Turkey Gumbo is to allow the flavors to develop by simmering the dish over low heat for an extended period of time.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have gumbo filé powder, you can substitute with a small amount of ground sassafras leaves or omit it altogether.

Make Ahead Tips

Turkey Gumbo tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Turkey Gumbo in individual soup bowls with a side of cornbread or crusty French bread for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Turkey Gumbo with a crisp green salad or a side of coleslaw for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Turkey 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

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

25g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Turkey Gumbo is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (from the roux) and may contain shellfish if using a seafood stock.

Summary

Turkey Gumbo is a nutritious and flavorful dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Turkey Gumbo is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a rich combination of turkey, okra, vegetables, and spices, this stew is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this hearty meal with a side of rice or cornbread for a satisfying and delicious dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a cold winter day and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had found in the attic. As soon as I came across the page for Turkey Gumbo, I knew I had to try it.

I had never made gumbo before, but the combination of hearty turkey, rich broth, and flavorful spices intrigued me. I could almost taste the savory stew just by reading the ingredients and instructions.

I immediately set to work gathering all the necessary ingredients. I had just roasted a turkey the day before, so I had plenty of leftover meat to use. I chopped up some onions, bell peppers, and celery, commonly referred to as the "holy trinity" in Cajun cooking, and started to simmer them in a pot with some butter.

As the vegetables softened and released their aroma, I added in some flour to create a roux. I remembered reading that the key to a good gumbo is a dark roux, so I stirred and stirred until it reached a rich, chocolate brown color.

Next, I poured in some chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. I let the mixture simmer and thicken, filling the kitchen with a delicious scent that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

I added in the leftover turkey meat and let it simmer for another hour, allowing all the flavors to meld together. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the Turkey Gumbo was finally done, I ladled myself a steaming bowlful and took my first bite. The taste was incredible – savory, spicy, and comforting all at once. I knew I had found a new favorite recipe.

As I sat at the kitchen table, savoring each spoonful, I thought back to how I had acquired this recipe. It wasn't from a fancy cooking class or a celebrity chef. Instead, it was from a kind elderly woman I had met at a farmer's market many years ago.

She had been selling homemade jams and jellies, but when I struck up a conversation with her, she mentioned that she also made a mean Turkey Gumbo. Intrigued, I asked if she would be willing to share her recipe with me.

To my surprise, she not only agreed but invited me to her home the following weekend to learn how to make it firsthand. I eagerly accepted, excited to learn from someone with so much experience in the kitchen.

That weekend, I drove out to the woman's cozy farmhouse, where she welcomed me with open arms. We spent the entire day in her kitchen, chopping, stirring, and laughing together as we cooked.

She shared stories about her family and the origins of the recipe, passing down generations through the women in her family. I was touched by her generosity and the sense of tradition that infused every step of the cooking process.

By the end of the day, the Turkey Gumbo was ready, and we sat down to enjoy our labor of love. As I took my first bite, I knew that this dish would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Turkey Gumbo countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. Each time I make it, I think back to that day in the farmhouse kitchen, surrounded by warmth, laughter, and the aroma of simmering spices.

I am grateful for that chance encounter at the farmer's market and the friendship that blossomed from it. I have learned so much from that kind elderly woman, not just about cooking but about the importance of sharing recipes and stories with others.

As I finish the last spoonful of Turkey Gumbo, I feel a sense of contentment wash over me. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, but it is in moments like these – when I am surrounded by good food, good company, and good memories – that I truly feel at home. And for that, I am forever grateful.