Mardi Gras is just around the corner and what could be more emblematic of New Orleans than Louisiana Shrimp Gumbo? Even if you can't travel to The Big Easy you can sample its delicious cuisine right in your home. Mix up a big pot and celebrate Fat Tuesday the NOLA way.
For this recipe you will need: shrimp, kielbasa sausage, bacon, onion, celery, red bell peppers, jalapeño peppers, garlic, flour, oregano, thyme, dried basil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, dry sherry, Worcestershire sauce, clam juice, chicken stock, okra, scallions, brown rice.
Seafood Gumbo is a rich stew full of different meats and seasoning.
Jump to:
Authentic Gumbo Background
I discovered gumbo crosses all class barriers -- Cajun or Creole -- it appears on the tables of the poor as well as the wealthy. I learned this when we had dinner with Honey's Louisiana born Aunts Emilie and Adèle.
The dinner was going along just fine until I asked them how to make a proper gumbo.
"Well, the only proper gumbo is a Creole seafood gumbo." Aunt Emilie immediately piped in. "It has your shellfish, tomatoes, a delicious dark roux made with butter and flour, okra, and if I have filé, I'll add that to the pot."
"No, no!" said Aunt Adèle. "To get the taste of a true gumbo you need to make it the Cajun way. You have to add ham, chicken, and Andouille, plus the trinity. And we make our roux with oil and flour, no butter!"
"Ha! Oil!" said Aunt Emilie. "You can't get a dark, tasty roux with oil. You need butter. Cajun cooking doesn't have the refinement of Creole!"
"Really?" asked Aunt Adèle. "Why, then, are so many Cajun restaurants and no Creole?"
I swear those two sounded just like Ouiser Boudreaux and Clairee Belcher in Steel Magnolias. But in-between the friendly bickering I did learn quite a bit about shrimp and chicken gumbos.
All it takes to make a great gumbo is...
- favorite meat
- sausage
- The Holy Trinity
- dark roux
- strong stock
- okra
- amazing seasonings
- rice
Louisiana Chicken Gumbo with Okra over rice
The evolution of seafood gumbo
Just like Aunts Emilie and Adèle have different ways to cook their gumbo they couldn't actually claim that the dish and method of preparation originated with either the Creole or Cajun people.
In fact, shrimp gumbo is a perfect example of the melting-pot nature of Louisiana cuisine: Gumbo derives from a West African word for okra, suggesting that gumbo was originally made with okra.
But there are those who use filé, which is dried and ground sassafras leaves, in their gumbo and that is a contribution from the Choctaws and possibly, other local tribes.
Then there is the French influence in the use of roux, although the roux in gumbos is much darker than in French cuisine.
Louisiana Shrimp Gumbo Ingredients
Cajun and Creole Gumbo Seasoning
Although they disagreed on countless things, the Aunts finally agreed on these seasonings for their gumbos.
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Cayenne Peppe
- Dried Oregano
- Dried thyme
- Paprika
Aunt Emilie admitted that Creole seasoning mixes use more paprika than Cajun mixes. Also, the mixes often include sweet basil, celery seed and white pepper.
I suspected that's because Cajun cooking is rural and basic while Creole is citified. Aunt Adèle confirmed my suspicions by saying that she grew up in the some of the fancy seasonings weren't readily available to them.
A proper Louisiana Gumbo
Louisiana Shrimp Gumbo Sauté the Bacon and Sausage
People are very passionate about what constitutes the texture and consistency of a "proper gumbo" and exactly what should be in it.
Some Cajuns argue that no tomatoes or okra touch their gumbo, while some say that filé is necessary for the taste and texture.
I certainly wouldn't want to be in the middle of some of those arguments -- they get fighting mad!!
Every October there's a World Championship Gumbo Cook-off in New Iberia, Louisiana.
There you'll find all sorts of combinations in the stew
- Andouille or chorizo
- Oyster
- Chicken,
- Ham,
- Steak
- Duck.
One ingredient that all agree upon -- rice.
More Cajun and Creole Gumbo Similarities
Both of them use the "the Holy Trinity" which is their version of the French mirepoix.
Traditional mirepoix calls for:
- two parts diced yellow onions
- one part diced carrots
- one part diced celery.
A typical trinity
- two parts diced yellow onions
- one part green bell pepper
- one part celery
Sometimes also garlic and parsley.
Part of gumbo's appeal is that it's very forgiving of the cook. Measurements don't have to be exact you may substitute with what's at hand. It's a lot like Chicken Minestrone.
How nice is that?
A seafood gumbo that is meaty and very satisfying.
How about giving Louisiana Shrimp Gumbo a try? You can substitute chicken for the shrimp and chicken stock for the clam juice making it Chicken Gumbo.
And believe me this seafood Gumbo is as good as it looks. Give it a try -- you'll love it.
And as they say in Louisiana. . .
. . .Laissez les bons temps rouler! - Let the good times roll!
Tutti a tavola è pronto
Un caro saluto e alla prossima
If you like Gumbo you may enjoy
Chop Suey A Chinese American Classic
Chicken Cacciatore with Mushrooms
All of these recipes are hearty family favorites we know you'll love.
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This is just like the Clam Juice we use in our recipe. Clam juice is so handy especially when you want that additional clam flavor. We even splash some more juice in the pot when we make mussels or a fish stew. When we make fish chowder we add some of this tasty juice to enhance the flavor of the chowder.
What's new? check out my All Our Way Store on Amazon. We'll be adding more items we love and use or wish we had to make cooking fun and easy.
Recipe
Louisiana Shrimp Gumbo: A Stew For All Tastes
Whether you call it Cajun Gumbo, Creole Gumbo, or just Gumbo we call it delicious! This stew is so forgiving. Add whatever meat you want. Chicken Gumbo is very popular and you can easily substitute it for the shrimp. You prefer Andouille sausage to the Kielbasa? Put in what you and your family like. The blending of cultures is what gives this stew a depth of flavor that's missing from other dishes. We guarantee that you'll want to celebrate Mardi Gras more than once a year.
And if you love the spicy flavors of Louisiana cuisine, you'll find that our classic Jambalaya hits all of the flavor notes.
We love our rice dishes. If you feel the same way, next time try our Risotto Stuffed Peppers recipe. The peppers have a nice firm texture since the filling is already cooked. This is a family pleaser!
If you like this recipe, please consider giving it a five-star rating. This helps others decide whether to try the recipe.
📖 Recipe
Louisiana Shrimp Gumbo
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium shrimp 31-35 count peeled, deveined and sliced in half lengthwise -- they'll curl up when cooked.
- 5 oz. of kielbasa sausage sliced then sliced again in half moons you can also use andouille sausage**
- 6 strips ½ lb. thick-sliced bacon
- 1 cup yellow onion diced
- 1 cup celery diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper diced
- 3 jalapeno peppers we left the seeds in -- we like it HOT!
- 1 Tablespoon garlic minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons dry sherry
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cups bottled clam juice
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen sliced okra
- ¼ cup scallions green onions thinly sliced white and green part
- Brown Rice made according to package directions we like to make extra so we have it for other dishes We like to add a scoop to the plated gumbo
- An alternate method is to add ½ cup converted-style rice at the final boil with clam juice and broth.
- Chopped celery leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the shrimp in half lengthwise and set aside
- Fry bacon until crisp and sausage until browned in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Remove the bacon and sausage with a slotted spoon and let drain on paper towels and set aside. Pour off bacon drippings, reserving 5 Tablespoons. Return the pot to the burner.
- Saute shrimp in 2 Tablespoons drippings for 3 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Sauté onion, celery, bell pepper, jalapeño peppers and garlic in 3 Tablespoons drippings for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Combine flour and seasonings; stir into vegetables. Cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Deglaze with lemon juice, sherry, and Worcestershire, scraping up bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the clam juice and broth ( also the ½ cup converted rice if you want it cooked in the gumbo) Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 20 minutes.
- Stir in okra, scallions, shrimp, and bacon.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
- To serve you can pour the gumbo over a serving of rice or you can add a scoop of rice on top of the gumbo like we did.
- Garnish with celery leaves.
Notes
- * Don't cook the okra too long - it will turn stringy.
- ** We use kielbasa sausage instead of andouille because we find it has less fat in it.
- ***Whenever we make a dish we have all the items prepped ahead of time. For instance, we will mix the flour with the seasoning in a dish and in a measuring cup we will have the deglazing liquid ready to pour into the pot.
- Inspired by a gumbo recipe in Cuisine At Home - June 2003 issue.
Nutrition
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arosary
Hi. Live in NO. Gumbo looks ok, but that is what we call Okra gumbo. Yes, you can put anything in gumbo that you want. However, I would never put in kielbasa (smoked or hot sausage), bacon, jalapenos, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, dry sherry, Worcestershire, lemon juice, frozen okra from the store, (we had to cut the fresh ones and learn how to cook the slime out. Then we froze them to take them out when we would use them. Plus the ones in the picture are too big), green onions or clam juice. Now we would also put crabs and chicken (and I mean chicken).
If you ever come to New Orleans, go to Dooky Chase. This is the restaurant that inspired Tiana in the Princess & the Frog, based on Ms. Leah Chase (RIP). Look at her website. https://www.dookychaserestaurants.com/
My question to you is this, do you put your potato salad in the gumbo or on the side?
Marisa Franca
Hello!! I'd love to come to NO and sample some of your Dooky Chase's Gumbo!! I'm all for sampling!! Your town is going to rock tonight!! Are you attending the festivities?? And as far as your quesion goes about the potato salad, well it depends. Do you want to savor each dish, or are you in a hurry -- LOL!! Frankly, I like theme dining -- I would have a Louisiana dinner and sides without the potato salad. Do you have a favorite NO potato dish?? Inquiring mind would LOVE to know!! Stay safe tonight!
Ashley Lyon
Made this tonight, and OMG...this is amazing! My boyfriend said this is exactly the type of gumbo he had envisioned in his head. He says you deserve an academy award HAHA
Great recipe, thankyou!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Ashley! So glad you and your boyfriend enjoyed it. And I'll take that award -- but you deserve one for making it!! Have a wonderful day. xoxo
Tammy
I can't remember the last time I had gumbo bit my goodness what a perfect winter meal. I've never made my own admittedly so this is a wonderful recipe to try. It looks so delicious!
Kushigalu
Love gumbo but never tried making it at home. Your recipe sounds so flavorful and delicious. My husband would love these. I will make this soon. Thanks for sharing.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
Gumbo is the perfect example of a filling and most delicious one pot meal. Love the seasonings and this is just the perfect comforting dinner on a cold evening.
Daniela
This sounds seriously tasty! I love the spice combination. A must try recipe!
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer
Mmmm what a deliciously awesome recipe! we love gumbo and this recipe is top notch! It warms you from the inside out with each and every spoonful!
dishnthekitchen
I just love this post. Gumbo is a true melting pot of food culture with so many influences. You have me drooling and aching for a drink on Bourbon Street.
Shelley
What a wonderful find - my husband, especially, adores gumbo, but I've actually never made it at home. And wow - I had no idea there was so much debate surrounding the exact ingredients and what to include! You're version looks sensational, so I'm definitely not gonna argue with that lol!
Skeewee
Gumbo is purely West African. Look up West African Okra Soup and Caribbean Giumbo. Your gumbo looks really good though.
Marisa Franca
We do mention the African influence. You see that a LOT in Southern cuisine.
Lamesa
This was my first time to make gumbo and this recipe did not disappoint. So delicious! But in the direction, there was no mention of when to put in the sausage.
Thanks for a great recipe!!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Lamesa! Thank you for commenting and bringing to my attention about the sausage. Totally my fault! I do show it in the photo within the post and it's with the bacon. I'll recheck the recipe card and make sure it is in there. xoxo!! Love it when readers keep me on my toes!
Pat
Marisa I love gumbo! I don't often find andouille sausage here but whenever i do I buy it to make sure I can make this. It's so delicious!
candy
I have never made this dish but would love to try. Found you on Blogging Grandmothers Link Party
Dee | Grammy's Grid
Your recipes always look so yummy! Photos are excellent! Thank you Marisa for linking up with us at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty 35! Shared x 3.
Trish Bozeman
Wow this looks amazing! So... I've never had gumbo. Crazy, but true! But now I feel confident that I could make a great gumbo at home and I'll be saving this for when that time comes. Thank you!
Annissa
I haven't had gumbo in years! I used enjoyed it when we visited New Orleans every year, but we stopped making those trips after we had children. Now that the kids are older, a trip to the big easy is in order, but until then, I'm going to try your recipe! It looks amazing!
Traci
I love how easy this gumbo seasoning is to assemble...and ALL the flavor! Can't believe it's Mardi Gras time again, but this recipe is perfect for it! Thanks for sharing 🙂
DAna
A gumbo makes for such a great dreary rainy day comfort food. I've only made one once, but this has me wanting to go at it again. This recipe is also a lot quicker than the first recipe I used to make it, so bonus there! It's still super chilly here in NC and we've had SO MUCH RAIN. So, I think this gumbo is in the forecast 🙂
Annemarie
Thanks for the history of gumbo and the differences between Creole and Cajun! I'll make sure to keep all your tips in mind when I make it and maybe my New England self can make a proper gumbo too. 🙂 I'll need to get to the store soon if I'm going to make it for Mardi Gras this year.
Debra
Would you believe I've never even tried gumbo. Sounds like everyone in your family is an expert of some sort on gumbo! Love that history to this dish. Now I will just have to make it.
Susie
Good minds must think alike or is it the cold temperatures? Like you, we love soup......Last week I made a large pot of jambalaya,.....which is similar to gumbo. Your gumbo recipe sounds delish and I plan to make it for my family. Thanks, Marisa......
Ric May
Can you freeze the excess from a pot of a large pot?
Marisa Franca
Hello, Ric! Yes! You may freeze the extra. A good air-tight freeze container is good. Happy cooking!
Ric May
Thanks Marisa
Ric May
Made this as outlined and I must say it was my best effort thus far. This was delicious!! I plan to make another batch soon, I assume I can just double the entire ingredient list!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Ric! Yes, we do a double batch and have gone so far as a triple. We did this for a Fat Tuesday party and even with a triple batch, there wasn't anything left. 🤣
Jovina Coughlin
Indeed. Mardi Gras season is upon us here in the South. You have a great gumbo recipe.
Julie Menghini
We love New Orleans and the foods that we experienced when visiting. You can't do any of their recipes justice unless about a pound of butter is included LOL! This gumbo looks amazing and I'll be giving it a try. John and I just love recipes like this that have an amazing balance of flavors. We celebrate everything and this is just in time to plan our Mardi Gras gathering! Woo hoo!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Julie! Les le bon temps rouler!! Have a great party!
Gloria
Loving the sound of this southern style recipe. I would love to visit LA just for the food alone. This looks perfect for a nice weekend dinner with friends. It has been a bit since I had gumbo...need to make this soon.
Emmeline
OK so I've never had gumbo!! But every time I see it or har about it I say to myself that yes, yes, I do need that in my life. Will have to try out your version!
Danielle Wolter
gumbo might just be my favorite thing ever. I love it so much, especially the part about it being so forgiving! I love that about it! The roux is really my favorite part of it, and i love the okra too!
Kylee from Kylee Cooks
My husband would roll over and do tricks if I served this up for dinner! It looks and sounds delish!
Tracy
Gumbo has been on my list of must make for sooooo long now. I LOVE the shrimp in yours! I think it’s time to finally do it- thanks for the inspiration!
Claudia Lamascolo
this sure looks hearty and delicious! I have never had okra or even seen it before! LOL Mom never had anything like this and I guess I never got curious to try adding it. All the gumbo she made was pretty straight forward shrimps and sausage. i am so intrigued now by how delicious this is and get introduced to new ingredients!
Mahy Elamin
Oh My Gosh…this Gumbo was really good. Followed recipe as written ….added extra seasoning to my liking as it suggested. Delicious!!
Jyothi (Jo)
I looove stew, but damn never tried making shrimp gumbo. I will be making it very soon, it looks absolutely delicious, so filling and delicious! The flavors, all those veggies, and shrimp....and the rice....can I please have a bowl ?!
Krista Price
Yup! This one wins the Internet today! Gumbo is in my top 5 favorite dishes, and this recipe is THE BEST! 🙂
Sam | Ahead of Thyme
Now this is what I call comfort food. This gumbo looks so good! My husband is obsessed with southern food, he will love this!
Lorie
Mmmm. I haven’t had a good gumbo in quite some time. This one hits the spot 100% for sure!
Amanda Mason
I love how versatile gumbos are! And I love your insight on the tribal aspects with the ingredients! Oh - and you used okra! Love that! Im SO trying this!!
lauren
Yum! Gumbo is one of my favorites. So much good stuff going on in this recipe too. I love the okra and of course the kielbasa and shrimp.
Tammy
Gosh it's been so long since I've had gumbo! Yours looks amazing, Marisa! It's a the perfect day for a bowl of this and I wish I had some right now 😀
georgie
I'd love to give this a try! I've never made or had gumbo before but it's on my 'to-try' list! This looks fabulous I love all the flavors you've got going on!
Kelly Anthony
Gumbo is something I grew up eating in my grandmother's kitchen and a dish my husband loves to make, but I've never attempted it. Definitely going to try it now. Thanks so much!
Charity
I have no idea of what an authentic gumbo is supposed to taste like. I can tell you I made a recipe for one with a heavily cooked roux and no tomatoes or okra and it was inedible. Your version looks full of flavor and mjuch more to my liking. Thanks for the recipe!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Charity! Let me say that we had a Louisiana born gumbo fan say it tasted better than she remembered.We've taken the gumbo several times to Mardi Gras pitch-ins and the pot is as clean as a whistle. It is good!!Let us know if you make it.
Jessica Robinson
My husband absolutely LOVES shrimp gumbo and this recipe looks beyond delicious!! I'm so excited to share this with him!
Emily @Sinful Nutrition
Gumbo is one dish I have never tried to make myself. Definitely need to add this one to the list!
Veena Azmanov
I've been meaning to try this gumbo for a long time now. Looks so good. I finally have shrimp in the fridge. so this has got to get done soon. Sounds so easy and perfect for the season.
Lauren Vavala
So many big flavors in this recipe that is has got to be absolutely delicious! I've never made a gumbo before, but my fiance would love this one! Will have to try it soon!
Dan Zehr
Wow, I have never tried this dishes, but now I need to try it immediately! I want to eat it for breakfast lunch and dinner. It looks very tasty.
Mahy Elamin
Oh, I love shrimp. This dish looks very tasty. I like how you combined all the ingredients. It is really interesting. Thanks!
Eileen Kelly
My family and I love gumbo! Your recipe is delicious and easy to follow! I love that you are not using file, it is hard to find and I love the spices you have chosen. This is the epitome of comfort food for me!
Claudia Lamascolo
I have never made a gumbo.. you sure are amazing with your array and talents of all cuisines. We are pretty boring here eating the same Italian or Mexican cuisines. I dont eat any meat so its hard for me other than greens and beans to eat. Everyone else I think will really love it if I made something like this. Sounds wonderful ! Its the only way for me to stay off medications no meats lol boy I wish I could be 24 again!
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness
I have never made gumbo. In fact, I don't think I have ever tried gumbo! It sure looks delicious though!
Marisa Franca
You'll have to try Cathleen. It is really excellent.
Alexis
So delicious! Oh my goodness, my family would go crazy for this dish. I'll have to add it to our next meal plan.
Natalie
There's so much good flavors going on i this stew. I love it. It's so summery and super delicious. I love the shrimp + sausage combo. I know my hubby will like it since it has sausages in it 🙂 Saving this to try. Lovely recipe Marisa.
Tammy
Hi Marisa, your gumbo looks absolutely delicious! What a comforting meal! I haven't had gumbo in ages but I'm craving a big bowl of this right now. 😀
Carmy
Lemme at this gumbo! The last time I had a gumbo was when I was down South! I'll have to give this recipe a try because I am craving a gumbo dinner.
Celeste
It's been years since I've had gumbo and this one looks so tasty, love the mound of rice in the middle. I'll have to give this recipe a try for my family.
Noel Lizotte
Look at all the goodness in that gumbo! We love gumbo on those damp, cool fall days when the chill is into your bones. My husband loves it and I don't usually have much left over!
Marisa Franca
I know what you mean, Noel. One of our youngsters can't eat shrimp so we've made it with chicken. It's still good but the shrimp adds more pizzazz.
Sally@Good Dinner Mom
Wow Marisa, this looks delicious! I actually happen to have file in my pantry that my sister-in-law brought me and haven't used it yet. I'm definitely going to make your recipe for the gumbo and maybe add a little of that. But I love how your recipe calls for ingredients that everyone can get. Great post, yum!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Sally. Throughout the years we've made this recipe a lot. In fact, we've even used chicken but we think the shrimp keeps to the seafood taste.
Veena Azmanov
I love gumbo and have only eaten it in the US on my trips which 10 years ago were often. I have never been to Louisiana but heard great things about it. I'm going to save this for later when i'm in the mood for some comfort food.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Veena! I think you'll really like it. You control the heat of the gumbo.
Nicolas Hortense
Honestly, because I live in Australia I have never had gumbo before, but I always hear wonderful things about. And I noticed how many ingredients were in yours, so I am sure it tastes incredible. Thank you for sharing!
Marisa Franca
We do love our Gumbo, Nicolas. I do think you'd be able to find the ingredients in Australia. You have to make it -- you'll love it too.
Nicole
This gumbo sounds so lovely. Okra is a bit hard to get around here and I'm not too keen on it either, but I would definitely want to try it in this dish.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Nicole! When we can't find fresh okra we use the frozen variety. I don't think it's got a distinct flavor within the Gumbo. You can leave it out but Gumbo helps to thicken the liquid.
Valerie
I know someone that lives in Louisiana and she is all about gumbo. Yours sounds quite flavorful and like it would really warm the belly.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Valerie! It certainly does warm a body up. If your friend makes Gumbo, perhaps you can compare recipes.
Trupti Kharche
Wow that's a hearty dish. Love gumbo and anything shrimps. Didn't know okra was used much in Lousiana cuisine. It is so indian to use them in stews. 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hi, Trupti! Yes, okra is popular, how much in Louisiana I'm not sure but it is used quite a bit in the south. We hope you try this out.
swathi
Delicious, yes gumbo is classic dish of Louisina's cuisine with it unique blend of spices and flavors . I love the way your put classic shrimp and okra gumbo. I need to to try.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Swathi! I hope you do try the gumbo -- it is delicious.
Michelle
I'm blown away by all the flavors in your recipe, I need to find file powder or make my own so I can truly experience the authentic taste. Thank you for your recipe.
Marisa Franca
You're welcome, Michelle. Let me know how you like the gumbo.
Ramona
I’ve never thought of mixing shrimp with okra and the addition of bacon makes it just a perfect meal for my liking for sure. I definitely have to make this. It sounds and looks amazing. Thanks for sharing! ????
Marisa Franca
Hi, Ramona! The combination is really good and yes, bacon just takes it to a higher level. xoxo
Laura
What a fantastic dish, Marisa. I am definitely going to try it, all the ingredients are a great combination. I tell you, I wouldn't want to be involved in those types of arguments. People get so passionate about their cuisine traditions. Hide away, run away, I only intervene if someone put pineapple on pizza, that for me is crossing the border, LOL
Marisa Franca
Hi, Laura! I know you'll love the gumbo. The flavors come together to yield a really tasty dish. I can see why you'd want to intervene with the pineapple - I get a cold chill thinking about it. What gets my dander up is calling sugo - gravy. ????
Tatiana
I bet the smell of this gumbo is so delicious! Every single bit of the photo screams eat me! ( hmmm, maybe not okra for me, but everything else!)
Marisa Franca
Hi, Tatiana! The gumbo does smell wonderful and you can hardly tell there is okra in it. Actually, it acts as a bit of a thickener to the gumbo. xoxo
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
Living in the south now, we grow tons of okra as we use it a lot in our Indian recipes. I love your gumbo recipe and I will give it a try making it vegetarian. That sounds like a great recipe to make for the weekend lunch!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Sandhya! Let me know how it turns out as a vegetarian dish. Have a wonderful day.
Catherine
It has been ages since I've had gumbo and this looks marvelous! Now I'm craving gumbo. With it being still so chilly here in NY I might have to make a pot this week...I know the family will love it!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Catherine. I think we are skipping over spring and we'll go directly into summer. It's cold here too. The gumbo will definitely warm you and your family up.
Reesa Lewandowski
This is right up my husband's alley! I am so getting all of these ingredients to make this ASAP! Thank you for sharing this!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Reesa! I know all the males in our family love the gumbo -- well, so do I. It's just so tasty you'll want to lick the bowl. ????
Michelle
Hi Marisa, Your gumbo recipe sounds so delicious! I like that the proportions seem just right for a nice big pot for the family (with maybe a little left over.) Allot of gumbo recipes I looked at seem so enormous. I thought I'd be eating gumbo forever. This is just right.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Michelle! Yes, it does make a perfect amount. I like enough left over for one more meal! I'm sure you and your family will enjoy it.
Claudia Lamascolo
This gumbo is new for me and looks outrageously delicious I know my husband is going to love everything about it so its a must try soon. I need to get out and buy the ingredients. Thanks for opening up a new meal for us!
Marisa Franca
Ciao, Claudia! We introduced this meal to my mamma and papà and they loved it. Some of the ingredients were a bit different for them but they were nuts about the taste.
Carlee
That looks so flavorful and delicious! With this cold snap we've been having, this looks like the perfect dinner to warm us back up!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Carlee! I know what you mean about the cold. We're in Indiana and last year at this time I had beautiful flowers blooming. The gumbo will warm you up.
Kathryn Occhipinti
Looks like a must try!
Marisa Franca
Ciao, Kathryn! I do hope you give the gumbo a try.
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
I hope you give the recipe a try, you won't regret it! xoxo
Jolina
I think I've only ever had gumbo once, at a restaurant, and it was so good. I never thought we could recreate it at home...now we can! This looks so delicious. And perfect for chilly days.
Denise Wright
First of all your photos look wonderful! I wish I had a big bowl of this in front of me right now. I have to try this recipe for my husband. It's his favorite and I never make it for him.
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
Thank you, Denise! I wish I could send you a bowl.
Veena Azmanov
I only heard of Louisiana and it wonderful food. This sounds so delicious. I love shrimp and I love such comfort food in a bowl at this time of the year. Cannot wait to try this.. Looks so delish.
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
I hope to go there too, Veena! Let me know how you and your family like the gumbo.
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
I really need to visit New Orleans....just for food like this. For some reason I do not like okra, but maybe I could change that. This sounds perfect for the comfort food season...especially with the addition of the jalapenos!!
Eileen
This is a wonderful recipe! I have been fighting a flu and we have almost 2 feet of snow falling. I am having someone get shrimp so I can make this this week
Marisa Franca
I am so sorry to hear you're under the weather, Eileen. It isn't fun being down and plus snow -- ugh!! You'll really enjoy the gumbo. We went to a Fat Tuesday party and before half the people there had sampled the gumbo it was gone. Inside the pot was as clean as a whistle. Some of the guys had already gone back for seconds 🙂
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
I LOVE gumbo! I can't wait to try this recipe! Thanks for sharing.
Elaine
Marisa Franca
You're welcome, Elaine! The recipe is oh so easy and tasty!! I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
Your version of gumbo looks scrumptious!
Marisa Franca
Hi Dorothy! It is good -- we had a neighborhood pot luck type of dinner. The gumbo was gone before half of the neighbors had a chance to sample. You see, the ones that tasted it to begin with went back for seconds.
Ramona W
Mmmm! One of my absolute favorite meals!! Love your ingredients. 🙂 Coming over from FBC and yummed and stumbled your post as well. 🙂
Marisa Franca
Thank you Ramona for the yums and stumbles, we are so grateful for sharing our recipes. If you do make it, let us know what you think 🙂
Melissa
I was fortunate enough to visit New Orleans for work several years ago. I forgot how good gumbo was (I think I tried it ever where we ate). I will be putting this on the meal plan list for next week, because this recipe looks amazing!
Marisa Franca
Hi Melissa! Making gumbo will be a nice reminder of a great time. You'll love making it at home.
Platter Talk
What an awesome rendition of timeless classic. Believe it or not, I've never made gumbo but I certainly love to enjoy it; thanks for the inspiration!
Marisa Franca
Never made gumbo??? Oh my! It isn't difficult and the reward for making it is incredibly tasty. It really started as a leftover for whatever you had -- isn't that how many incredible recipes start? Let us know if you do make it.
Sarah
This looks incredible! I love all the history and information you gave about the origin of gumbo too - stuff I would have never known! Thanks for sharing!
Marisa Franca
Hi Sarah! Thank you for your nice comment. The gumbo is a family favorite. I hope you try it 🙂
Karen
We actually do a peanut butter colored roux for our chicken/andouille gumbo and my husband does a chocolate colored one for his seafood gumbo. He adds tomatoes to his so his is more of a creole vs cajun gumbo - no one ever seems to care. (He's from a tiny bayou town in Louisiana, I'm from a river town outside of New Orleans. The little differences are interesting.) This soup is what you make it! And looks like you made a tasty one! (Some of us also put our "smashed" potato salad directly in the bowl with the gumbo.) Had to fedx my daughter a king cake this year. She just moved to California and is missing Louisiana like crazy. Now I'm off to wander around your lovely blog!
Marissa
Thanks for this! I'm wanting to make some fun stuff for Mardi Gras this year! 🙂
Marisa Franca
Every time we've made it there wasn't even a morsel left!! Buon Appetito!
Marisa Franca
Those versions sound wonderful!! Wish we could have a big gumbo cook-off and taste away!!
Ambra Sancin
I think I've had Gumbo a couple of times in local restaurants here, but not sure how authentic they were. Your recipe sounds nice and exotic.
Marisa Franca
We went to a Mardi Gras party several years ago and we made this gumbo. There were several Louisiana natives that attended the party and they raved about the gumbo. Let me know if you make it and how you like it. If you don't want to add the jalapenos, you can add 1 teaspoon cayenne instead.
Rosemary @anitalianinmyktchen
Hi Marisa, I always wanted to go to Louisiana, so to content myself for now I would love to give your gumbo a try. Thanks looks so delicious.
Jovina Coughlin
There is nothing like fresh caught shrimp from the Gulf. Your delicious looking recipe would certaily highlight the quality of the shrimp.Very authentic. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Marisa Franca
You are so right about fresh Gulf shrimp! They are excellent!
Diane P.
Mmmmm! This sounds wonderful! Can't wait to try this recipe! Thanks for a wonderful post!
Marisa Franca
This is a little different than an Italian recipe but we like the flavors!