Lemon Gumbo is one of Louisiana’s signature dishes. It is a thick soup made with ham, broth, and several types of “butter.” You might think that there would be just one type of gumbo in Louisiana. Wrong! Thanks to the local economy, there are so many variations of this classic that it would be impossible to name them all.
What do you think is the most delicious gumbo you have ever tasted? Does it have a hint of butterscotch on the back side? Does it have chunks of lard dangling from the bones of the ribs? Maybe it has that smoky flavor you get after cooking a rabbit’s feet. It could also have traces of onions, garlic, or hot sauce.
Some chefs claim to make Louisiana’s famous gumbo “old-fashioned” meaning it is made with old-fashioned ingredients. This could be referring to the fact that the mixture was prepared using ingredients straight out of the kitchen (and then cooked). Others claim that their gumbo is made with ingredients from local plants around New Orleans. Whatever the origin, the truth is that New Orleans is synonymous with gumbo!
There are two types of gumbo: red and white. Most chefs will add onion, bell pepper, and a few spices (usually garlic and ham) to the red gumbo. They will usually throw in some chicken as well. The white gumbo is prepared using bacon, ham, and green onions. If they have any vegetable stock in their refrigerator, they will sometimes add that to the mix as well.
Which type of gumbo you enjoy is really a matter of preference. Some people like the smoky flavor of the black gumbo while others enjoy the nutty taste of the white variety. Those who live in New Orleans prefer the black version, but those who do not have access to the local food often just substitute the ham for another ingredient. As always, try before you buy!
Many restaurants prepare gumbo with a roux. A roux is a thickened vegetable oil made from flour, butter or other fat and processed to make the oil smooth. Other ingredients can include chicken, ham, vegetables, sausage, corn, cheese, and many more. It all depends on your taste and what you like in your gumbo. If you have never cooked with roux before, it can be intimidating, so stick with chicken or something you know and love.
It is common to mix up ingredients such as chicken and put them into the pot to sizzle while you cook. Just watch your hot grease splatter! Also, don’t be afraid to add in ingredients to the gumbo that you might not ordinarily think of as food. A little olive oil added to a roux for extra zest can be quite tasty.
It is important to keep gumbo healthy. As with any dish, moderation is key. Too much food with no seasoning, or too little, will lead to an underdeveloped taste in your mouth. This dish is a big favorite at family gatherings, so make it a part of your healthy menu now!
The lemon is very tart, so consider including a lemon wedge to brighten up the taste of the gumbo. Add a slice of orange or lime to draw out the flavor even more! You can also add celery and onion to the mix to enhance the crispiness of the chicken and the lemon juice to add extra color and flavor.
Try cooking your gumbo on an open fire. The indirect heat from the flames adds a depth of flavor not found in boiling chicken or pork. If you are concerned about the smoke factor, remember that cooking in water will extinguish most flames. If you are making a batch of gumbo for a large family, consider using a deep fryer. These come with special handles that make it easy to move the gumbos from one side of the kitchen to another without touching the flames. My mother used a deep fryer to make gumbo for us when we had guests over, and she loved it!
Another way to improve the flavor of your gumbo is to marinate the chicken or pork in lemon juice or white wine for several hours. This will help to draw out the natural flavors from the ingredients, as well as help bring out the brightness of the lemon. Be sure to keep some marinading mustard in your pantry, as well. Don’t be afraid to use this tasty herb for its classic flavor and aroma!
Lemon gumbos are a fun and delicious way to spend a Sunday evening. The warm weather is perfect for enjoying some this comforting soup. Make sure you take time to make enough for your entire family, and you will find yourself getting asked to bring them home each week!