This Chicken Stock Gumbo recipe is a delicious and hearty dish made with a flavorful homemade chicken stock and a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices. The gumbo is thickened with a roux and served over rice for a filling and satisfying meal. It is a popular dish in Southern cuisine, with Cajun and Creole influences. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful gumbo on a chilly day!
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 onions, diced
- 2 green bell peppers, diced
- 4 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup okra, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Directions
- In a large pot, add the chicken pieces and cover with water. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 1 hour, skimming off any impurities that rise to the surface.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken meat and discard the bones and skin. Set aside the shredded chicken.
- In the same pot, add the diced onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the okra, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken stock from earlier. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- In a separate small saucepan, make a roux by heating the vegetable oil over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Cook the roux, stirring constantly, until it turns a dark brown color, about 10-15 minutes.
- Slowly pour the roux into the gumbo, stirring to incorporate. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the gumbo thickens.
- Season the gumbo with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the gumbo over cooked white rice.
- Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Gumbo is a traditional dish that originated in Louisiana, with influences from African, French, and Spanish cuisines.
The word 'gumbo' is derived from the West African word for okra, which is often used as a thickening agent in the dish.
Gumbo is known for its rich and complex flavors, often including a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables.
The roux is an essential ingredient in gumbo, providing flavor and thickening the dish. It is made by cooking equal parts flour and fat together until it reaches a desired color.
Gumbo is often served during festive occasions, such as Mardi Gras, and is a staple in Southern soul food.