Best 3 Gumbo Base Aka Roux Recipes
Gumbo is a hearty, flavorful stew that is a staple of Louisiana cuisine. It is typically made with a roux, which is a mixture of flour and fat that is cooked until it is dark brown. The roux is then used to thicken the gumbo and give it its characteristic flavor. There are many different ways to make a gumbo base, and each cook has their own favorite recipe. Some common ingredients in a gumbo base include the "holy trinity" of celery, bell pepper, and onion, as well as garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and cayenne pepper. The type of meat or seafood used in the gumbo can also vary, and common choices include chicken, shrimp, and okra. No matter what ingredients you choose to use, following these simple steps will ensure that you create a delicious and authentic gumbo base.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
GUMBO BASE (AKA ROUX)
A roux is the base of numerous Cajun and creole dishes. In Louisiana, natives have a joke about how long it takes to make the roux for certain dishes. Etouffee is usually a 1 beer roux while a full fledged gumbo is a 2 to 3 beer roux. Obviously meaning how long it takes to DRINK the beer. The cook time will vary depending on how dark you want your gravy. NOTE: The measurements I used are normally what I make for a Sunday pot of gumbo, southern style. That means it makes a lot! You may want to only use half for normal people!
Provided by Malriah
Categories Sauces
Time 17m
Yield 1 Sunday Pot of Gumbo
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Melt Butter in a heavy bottomed skillet over medium to medium high heat.
- Slowly sprinkle in the flour a little at a time, stirring constantly.
- Continue to stir constantly.
- Do not walk away!
- If you burn it even the tiniest bit, it is unusable.
- You will notice the flour beginning to brown.
- The darker the flour, the darker the gravy.
- For gumbo, when the roux reaches a deep dark chocolate brown color it is done.
- At that point you would add your seasonings, such as onion, garlic, bell pepper and celery.
- You can make this ahead of time and keep tightly covered in the frige or freezer.
ROUX-BASED AUTHENTIC SEAFOOD GUMBO WITH OKRA
This from-scratch gumbo takes a little bit of time, but is well worth the effort! No bouillon, chopped tomatoes, chicken, sausage, or bacon here! Impress your Cajun friends with this wonderful gumbo. Serve over white rice with a side of French bread. Enjoy!
Provided by KRANEY
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Stews Gumbo Recipes
Time 1h55m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Put flour into a Dutch oven or large heavy pot and add flour. Turn heat to medium-high, put the pot on the burner, and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until thick and bubbly, has a 'peanutty' smell, and is dark brown, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool and thicken.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir celery, green onions, and bell pepper in hot butter until tender, about 10 minutes; add to pot with the roux.
- Stir water, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, 2 teaspoons salt, hot pepper sauce, and thyme into the vegetable mixture. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 1 hour.
- Stir okra into the vegetable mixture and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Add catfish, stir gently, and cook until the flesh is easily flaked with a fork, about 5 minutes. Gently stir shrimp into the mixture; cook until the shrimp are bright pink, about 3 minutes. Season with the file powder and salt; stir.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 344.3 calories, Carbohydrate 15.2 g, Cholesterol 159.2 mg, Fat 20.4 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 25.4 g, SaturatedFat 4.3 g, Sodium 1129.5 mg, Sugar 3.1 g
LOUISIANA GUMBO ROUX
Gumbo roux recipe shared with me years ago by a cajun coworker. He didn't give me the measurements on the flour or oil & I haven't made this in years so you might have to tweak the recipe a bit. I thought I had lost the recipe and was very excited to find it today! :)
Provided by ncflynns
Categories Sauces
Time 25m
Yield 3 quarts
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Mix all purpose flour and cooking oil to a peanut butter consistency.
- Spread about 3/4" thick in a baking dish.
- Bake at 350 until dark brown. (Be careful not to burn it! If you do, throw it out. It will be bitter).
- When done, add roux to 3 quarts boiling water. (Approx. 2 tablespoons roux to 1 quart of water).
- Add all remaining ingredients and your roux is complete!
- Double or triple the recipe if desired. Roux can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for weeks.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 496.8, Fat 36.9, SaturatedFat 4.8, Sodium 783.3, Carbohydrate 37.4, Fiber 2.6, Sugar 2.1, Protein 5.3
Tips:
- Use the right oil. A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, is best for making a roux. Avoid using olive oil or butter, as they can burn easily.
- Cook the roux slowly and stir constantly. This will prevent the roux from burning and ensure that it cooks evenly.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different ratios of flour and fat. The traditional ratio is 1:1, but you can use more or less flour to achieve a lighter or darker roux.
- Use a roux immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Conclusion:
A roux is an essential ingredient in many classic dishes, and it's surprisingly easy to make at home. With a little practice, you'll be able to make a roux that is smooth, flavorful, and perfect for your favorite recipes.
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