What makes a Gumbo a Gumbo?

Question

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.

Well, the receipe that I pulled up from the internet stated meatball-turkey Gumbo. It actually tastes quite delicious. I just tried a bowel.

I add all the veggies of the season that I had in my fridge. I added frozen okra, frozen green beans, frozen small onions, frozen meatballs, frozen turkey left overs,
than put spices in like
paprika, salt, pepper, oreango, and crushed pepper flakes and mrs. dash. it really turned out great.
otherwise, I did not let my roux get too dark. I am always afraid I will burn it. I used 1/2 butter and 1/2 oil...

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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

Answer 3

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!

Answer 4

The roux can make or break a gumbo. A well cooked roux is the key.

Answer 5

The dark roux, and okra, tomatoes, and creole spices.

Answer 6

meatballs ??? heck , throw some pizza in there , let's see what happens. lol