I just made the best fast track/easy gumbo

[Spleenstomper]

2 cans tomatoes and okra (used Margaret Holmes brand)-- it's tomatoes and okra in a can together.

1/2 to 1 small bag frozen pic sweet chopped seasonings (onion, bell pepper, celery etc)

1 small bag frozen peeled 150 count shrimp (6.99 at my grocery)

1 roux mix-- I'm in Louisiana so this may be easier for me: you can use dry roux mix, a box of "gumbo mix".. I used Mam Papaul's box mix. (It's by the rice aisle).

2 quarts water or broth (I used 1 quart chicken broth, 1 quart water and I used the juice from the tomatoes and okra can).

Dump it all in a pot and cook for 1-2 hours. Alternate high and low and replace water as needed.

Serve over rice.

You could probably substitute chicken for shrimp or even pork or cubed ham.

[ken56]

I play fast and loose with my gumbo.....some would say its not authentic.... ok.... I get it. I have used V8 juice in mine and also put in smoked sausage and chicken with the shrimp. I just like to add a personal touch to recipes and have never had a complaint. I think however you care to make it, if its good then enjoy!

[SWMO]

Gumbo is kind of like chili or stew, make it the way you like it.

[Spleenstomper]

Okra gumbo is the only gumbo I put tomatoes in.

[Swamp_Rat]

North of I-10 gumbo usually contains tomatoes. I never added it but had it and good taste is all that matters...

[Spleenstomper]

Kit Carson wrote:

Spleenstomper wrote:
Don't tell my mama I did it this way-- she will be offended and insulted. Lol.

And she SHOULD be!!!! LOL

Yeah, you right!

For a side of bread, yeah, buttered French bread or baguette is delicious!

[Kit_Carson]

Spleenstomper wrote:
Don't tell my mama I did it this way-- she will be offended and insulted. Lol.

And she SHOULD be!!!! LOL

[ETex2]

littlemo wrote:
Sounds delicious! I want to try this. Does anyone use any kind of bread or side?

I love a good baguette loaf with lots of butter with my gumbo.

[littlemo]

Sounds delicious! I want to try this. Does anyone use any kind of bread or side?

[Spleenstomper]

I agree about the roux. I say whatever works is good.

Which brings me to mention, if anyone makes this gumbo and the roux mix is several servings, then do a serving or two and don't dump the whole container in!

[SWMO]

I remember when my wife did a contract in Southern AR that dry and wet roux was available there. We generally use the Pic Sweet also, but no tomatoes.
People talk about ridding the okra of slime, but that is the thickener. If you pre boil it you will need file to thicken it.
We like gumbo in this house because it's very versatile. I make my roux in the oven because I'm too lazy to stand and stir for an hour and it seems to be the same either way.

[Spleenstomper]

Don't tell my mama I did it this way-- she will be offended and insulted. Lol.

[NCWriter]

Making me hungry and I just ate an hour ago. Sounds great.

[Spleenstomper]

Hah. It took me a minute, but I finally got it!

[brirene]

magnusfide wrote:

cyntdon2010 wrote:
Shouldn't the Orka go in last?

Yep along with the great white shark :W

You're gonna need a bigger pot!