What makes a Gumbo a Gumbo?!
I had left over Turkey in the freezer from Thanksgiving and leftover Meatballs. Than added all the spices and veggies.
Answers: I just prepared a Gumbo for tonight. But I wonder "What really makes a Gumbo a Gumbo?
I had left over Turkey in the freezer from Thanksgiving and leftover Meatballs. Than added all the spices and veggies.
Gumbos begin with a very rich stock. They include the "holy trinity" of sauteed bell pepper, onion and celery. They are thickened with a roux (may be light or dark). Traditionally, either okra or file powder are added for additional thickening (usually not both). That's not a must, though.
The dark roux, and okra, tomatoes, and creole spices.
The roux can make or break a gumbo. A well cooked roux is the key.
Being in South Louisiana, I can assure you, Gumbo does NOT conain meatballs. Why don't you call your concoction "Soup" instead? Gumbos are very often made by boiling the turkey carcass, picking any meat off, and making Turkey-Sausage Gumbo. But not meatballs!
meatballs ??? heck , throw some pizza in there , let's see what happens. lol
For a good gumbo you need a good roux ( deep brown) cooked very slowly for hours, with the fat being bacon fat. You need gumbo file ("fee lay" not file). Okra is also necessary. I saw one responded who thought you didn't use okra and gumbo file together.... Gumbo file is the ground leaves of the sassafras tree. Rice is also sometimes added but not cooked in the gumbo