Vegetable Gumbo Recipe

Vegetable Gumbo

Recipe by Curtis Aikens

Watch the preparation of this recipe and dive into this flavorful, hearty dish that's perfect for gathering friends and family around the table.

• Servings: 4
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 1 hour 20 minutes

• 2 pounds of greens (collard, mustard, or turnip), rinsed and stemmed
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups finely diced onions
• 1 cup finely diced green bell pepper
• 1 cup finely diced celery
• 1 (16-ounce) can of plum tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
• 3 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon fil powder
• Cayenne pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, as needed
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen okra
• 1 (16-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups cooked white rice, kept warm

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1. Place the greens in a medium saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes. Transfer greens to a cutting board, reserving 2 cups cooking water. Roughly chop greens and set asideyour base of bold flavor is ready!
2. In a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk 1/4 cup vegetable oil and flour constantly until the roux reaches a rich dark reddish-brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from heatthis magical thickener will elevate your dish.
3. In a large soup pot, heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Saut onions, green bell pepper, celery, and tomatoes until softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in hot sauce, fil powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, basil, parsley, and garlic; cook 5 more minutes for layers of irresistible aroma.
4. Whisk in the roux, vegetable broth, and reserved greens water. Bring to a boil, season with salt and pepper, then simmer 15 minuteslet the flavors meld into perfection.
5. Add okra and kidney beans; cook 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning to make it sing.
6. Ladle hot gumbo over warm white rice and savor every comforting, spicy bite. Your kitchen adventure ends in pure delight!