Can you have gumbo without okra?

Gumbo can be made with or without okra or filé powder. The preferred method in the historical New Orleans variation is with a French dark roux. The flavor of the dish has its origins in many cultures. Creole gumbo generally contains shellfish, and a dark roux, filé, or both.

How do you thicken gumbo without okra?

To replace okra as a thickening agent in gumbo, soups, and stews, the best options are gumbo filé, roux, xanthan gum, corn starch, or nopales. Vegetables such as zucchini, green beans, and eggplant have a similar flavor and can replace okra as a side dish.

Does authentic gumbo have okra?

Consider the word “gumbo” which comes from the West African word “ki ngombo” for “okra”. West Africans used okra as a thickener in their version of the dish. The original West African gumbo has been described as stew-like, thickened with okra, and containing fish and shellfish.

What is the purpose of okra in gumbo?

Using Okra as a Thickener Traditionally, okra is used as a thickener in gumbo. When used in this manner, the okra is typically sauteed with the trinity of onion, bell pepper and celery.

Do you use chicken stock or broth for gumbo?

For the most flavor, use stock or broth in your gumbo instead of water. Whether you use chicken or vegetable stock, homemade or boxed, stock will give your gumbo more depth and complexity.

Should gumbo be thick or soupy?

The one thing that really defines it, though, is the way it is thickened. Gumbo is much denser than a simple soup; the broth has a thick, almost viscous consistency. And that characteristic is most commonly created by making a roux, cooking flour and oil together until they thicken and darken.

What is the difference between Cajun gumbo and Creole gumbo?

Creole gumbos most often include tomatoes, shellfish and dark roux and often okra and filé powder, an herb made from ground leaves of sassafras trees. Cajun gumbo doesn’t have tomatoes and usually also contains chicken. It’s not uncommon for both Creole and Cajun gumbo to include meats such as ham or sausage as well.

Do you put raw chicken in gumbo?

Please note: The meat does not need to be cooked through. It will cook as the gumbo cooks. Also, the chicken does not need to be chopped. Once it has cooked completely, we will pull it from the pan with tongs and shred, then add it back in.