Tuesday 5 March 2013

Gumbo

When I posted my fried chicken, Faux Fuchsia asked whether I was on a deep South jag. I realised that the answer to that is a resounding yes. I've been craving food I've only ever heard about - shrimp & grits, collard greens, shoofly pie and beignet.

And a couple of weeks ago I made gumbo. I followed Felicity Cloake's recipe.
Roux

After 45 minutes I got bored with the roux, so it wasn't as dark as it should have been, but it still added a nutty flavour as well as thickness to the stew.
The trinity

I followed the recipe fairly closely - using 125g of okra since that was the size package it came in. I realised once I'd made it, looking at the fairly meagre shreds of chicken, that when she said "chicken legs" she probably meant chicken marylands, or drumstick and thigh portions, whereas I had just used drumsticks.

Even so, it made a rib-sticking meal served with a good portion of rice. Basmati, not from Carolina. My mother was astounded when I said I'd made and intentionally eaten something with okra in it, but somehow the mucilaginous texture which normally sends me screaming just works well in this. It definitely needs a good slug of hot sauce to brighten the flavours though.

Now to go in search of hominy grits for my next Southern culinary adventure.

 

8 comments:

Joanne said...

Way to go for taking on gumbo! Looks like a wonderful comforting bowl.

Angie's Recipes said...

It looks like a perfectly delicious and comforting meal. I need more rice to go with the sauce.

hungryandfrozen said...

I adore southern food. Can't believe you worked on the roux for that long! I need to give this a go for sure.

Barbara said...

One thing I know....the roux is the trick to a gumbo. Might not have been as dark as you wanted, but your results sure look good to me!

Mary Bergfeld said...

Your gumbo looks wonderful for a first try. It sounds delicious and I know that I would revel in a bowl. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary

Shu Han said...

actually have nv tried gumbo before. i am missing out aren't I. this is bookmarked though! at least I'm on the right track. x

grace said...

okra was DEFINITELY intended for gumbo (and only gumbo). :)

Deb in Hawaii said...

Mmm... gumbo is such great comfort food. Your's looks delicious. ;-)

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