How to thicken Gumbo? This is a common question I see frequently in the forums for food and drink and, therefore, I’ve decided to dedicate an entire blog post on this subject. Check it out if you’re looking to learn more about Gumbo and the best way to thicken it in the proper proportions so that the dish turns out to be a delectable one.
Gumbo is a popular southern American food that is very popular in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. It is made up of Chicken Okra, rice and various spices, based the region you’re living in Louisiana.
It was first made by slaves of West Africa to use every part of the animals they hunted developed. Gumbo is enjoyed using your hands and contains several variations of the recipe.
This popular dish is available in restaurants as well as at your home. Gumbo is simple to prepare however, it is extremely labor-intensive.
It is usually served for around 1 hour after it’s been prepared until you are able to take it out to eat. Gumbo is an excellent dish, and it can become extremely runny after serving.
The amount of gumbo’s thickness is dependent on the amount of time it cooks and whether you add thickening ingredients to it.
There are numerous methods to thicken your gumbo by using household items or things you find in supermarkets.
Learn more about how to thicken Gumbo.
First, you need to purchase every ingredient. Make sure you have a large pan that will hold all your ingredients.
Incorporate cooking oil and onions to the large saucepan.
This recipe calls for the addition of salt garlic powder, black pepper as well as celery seeds (optional) and the leaves of thyme (optional) as well as tomato sauce (in cans or ketchup) as well as chicken stock (from the box).
Take your ingredients, celery seeds, leaves of thyme, and tomato sauce.
If you’re looking for more spice in your Gumbo, you can add the three seasonings mentioned above to add some spice.
Celery seeds are small round-looking objects that taste just like celery. Thyme leaves are tiny, round items that taste similar to thyme.
The tomato sauce doesn’t provide any flavor, but instead enhances the flavor of the Gumbo.
Once all your ingredients have been placed in your pot, and then cooked some time then you can begin adding the rice in for approximately 25 minutes of cooking and beef stock from a container or beef broth that you can store in 20 mins.
After the gumbo has cooked for approximately 45 minutes, you are able to now add the chicken and Okra.
Once the Chicken is added, continue to cook it for another 15 minutes.
After everything is properly cooked and done together with some additions to thicken it added the gumbo, it is ready to serve.
Different variations of Gumbo
There is no set rule regarding the preparation of Gumbo. The cooking time is reduced when using seafood. Meat cooks longer to cook on the stove, and simmered until the meat is the meat is cooked to a thick.
It can take quite a while before it gets to your stomach. However, it’s worth the effort and time! Due to the lengthy cooking time, it’s recommended to cook it in large batches, and then put the remainder in the refrigerator to be used later. It can also last quite a long time within the freezer.
Tips: could take it out in portions and then place it in the freezer to make it easier to store.
It is possible to use chicken to make a Gumbo. Skinless, deboned chicken thighs can make a fantastic dish. It is also possible to use sausage for this. There’s no difference in the method of making the base.
The flavor blends beautifully with the kind of meat you pick. If you are planning to cook seafood gumbo, ensure that it isn’t cooked too long. Seafood cooks faster than beef and should be served within the last few minutes of cooking so that you don’t overcook it.
Apart from that it is possible to combine and mix any recipe you like! Actually, there’s no restriction that stops you from mixing the three! The ultimate gumbo combination is one that you must cook in truly huge quantities and then save for later, perhaps to save for the remaining time season.
Why should you consider thickening the Gumbo?
Sometimes, on the menu of a restaurant, and at home, you will be served a very spongy gumbo.
The broth is normally made of chicken stock including tomatoes and okra in it.
A few seasonings are used to add an extra taste; for example, spices such as garlic powder, celery seeds, leaves of thyme etc.
Irrespective of the flavor, the broth is extremely thin. Gumbo that is thickened can result in runny liquid into a rich and satisfying food.
The more dense the gumbo, the more likely you’ll eat it without becoming messy with your hands.
How to thicken Gumbo?
The consistency of gumbo is dependent on the time it takes to cook it and whether you add thickener to it.
There are numerous ways to thicken your Gumbo, with or without the ingredients you have at home or from the nearby grocery store.
The most well-known and most common method of thickening Gumbo is by adding a roux made of butter, flour and oil to the broth.
1 – Add Roux
To make a roux you need to add oil to the pot where Gumbo is cooked in.
Oil can be any kind of cooking oil, but vegetable or olive oil can complete the job just as effectively as peanut oil or coconut oil.
Add around three inches of cooking oil in the base of your pot. Incorporate flour and butter into the pot.
The flour and butter form a mixture that is known as the Roux. Mix the roux with a whisk until it is thick and clear.
Add salt If you think the roux may not be enough salty. Continue to whisk until it changes into to a light brown hue.
Add Cornstarch
The other method of thickening the gumbo is to add cornstarch.
Incorporate approximately two tablespoons cornstarch to the pot. Then slowly add chicken broth into it.
Corn starch is likely to be absorbed into the broth, and will make it more thick until you can’t see any cornstarch as you stir.
Add Flour
Flour can be added the same manner as cornstarch. Put about 1 tablespoon of flour to the pot then slowly pour chicken broth over it.
The flour will absorb the broth and will make it more dense until you don’t discern any flour while stirring.
This is a fantastic method of thickening that you can use in the absence of cornstarch or prefer a “roux”.
Add a vegetable Soup Base
A soup made of vegetables is very thick and will give a wonderful taste to the soup, and make it thicker as required.
Add 1 packet in vegetable soup base to the pot. Add approximately one cup of water to the pot, stirring until the soup base is completely dissolved.
Add slowly more water until you have reached your desired thickness.
5 – Allow it to simmer
If you don’t want add anything, or don’t have any at the home, simmer it.
Simmering takes about an hour longer than be if you didn’t have the enough time for the gumbo to become thicker.
If you need to rush, mix in some cornstarch or flour and it’ll be ready to be enjoyed in no time.
6 – Add Chicken Soup with Cream
Another way to thicken the gumbo is using chicken cream soup.
Incorporate 1 can soup made from chicken cream and then pour it into the pot, stirring until it disintegrates in the broth.
Let it cook for a couple of minutes longer before serving.
7 Add Cornmeal Grits
This is among the most sought-after methods for thickening Gumbo.
Mix 1 cup of cornmeal, after which add water, and then mix till the mixture is smooth and nice without any lumps.
When you pour the mixture in the pot, make sure to stir it in one direction with ease to avoid lumps. Add the quantity of water needed to create the consistency you desire.
Add Bread
Pick a couple of slices of bread. Then place it in the Gumbo. Don’t cut the bread into pieces, but put it in whole.
The reason for this is to ensure that all the tiny pieces are soaked in the broth from the gumbo, and to ensure that, when it is poured down your throat, it will not have any piece of bread that is not soaked.
You may slice the bread if you prefer. Let it soak for around 10 minutes or until it becomes soft and then take out the excess and throw it away.
How thick should Gumbo be?
The truth is that the answer is not definite as everyone is different in their preference to achieve a “perfect texture.” In general, Gumbo is thicker than the soup itself, and one could call it thicker than a smooth soup. It is possible to adjust the thickness by adding roux or other thickeners.
Gumbo, whether thin or thick, is a favorite dish for many because of its powerful flavor and combination of vegetables. You can maintain the gumbo’s consistency according to your preferences because gumbo always tastes delicious whether it’s thick or not.
Wrapping up
How To Thicken Gumbo?
There are numerous ways to thicken your gumbo. However, the main factor is to create it the way you like.
It can be as thick or soupy as you like. Be sure to prepare the soup according to your taste and the recipe you’re making.
Gumbo is a simple recipe with a healthy approach. It’s simple and hugely delicious. You can employ any of the listed Gumbo thickener techniques to get that perfect consistency.
Roux is a popular and widely used method; however, some are also fond of using the file powder or okra. Based on the ingredients that are available in your kitchen, you should select one of the thickeners in gumbo to get your desired texture. Now happy cooking!
