Gumbo Greens Recipe

Picture a pot bubbling gently on the stove, filling your kitchen with the savory aroma of smoked sausage and fresh greens.

There’s something about gumbo greens that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

This easy-to-make dish is a cozy Creole favorite, perfect for indulging in comfort and flavor.

As the ingredients meld together, a rich, hearty meal transforms before your eyes.

Let’s bring this delicious dish to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Knife
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Measuring cup
• 1 Measuring spoon

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 pound greens (such as collards or kale), chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups okra, sliced

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Gumbo Greens, you can create a timeline based on the provided prep, cook, and resting times. Here’s a suggested timeline:

Timeline for Gumbo Greens Preparation and Cooking

1. Reading and Planning (5 minutes)
   • Review the recipe instructions and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Preparation (20 minutes)
   • 0-5 minutes: Gather and measure ingredients.
   • 5-10 minutes: Chop the onion, bell pepper, and celery.
   • 10-15 minutes: Mince the garlic and slice the smoked sausage.
   • 15-20 minutes: Chop the greens and slice the okra.
3. Cooking (1 hour)
   • 0-5 minutes: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • 5-10 minutes: Add and sauté the onion, bell pepper, and celery.
   • 10-11 minutes: Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
   • 11-15 minutes: Add the smoked sausage and cook until browned.
   • 15-20 minutes: Stir in the chopped greens and cook until wilted.
   • 20-25 minutes: Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, and add seasonings.
   • 25-30 minutes: Stir in the okra and reduce heat to low.
   • 30-75 minutes: Cover the pot and simmer for 45 minutes.
4. Resting (10 minutes)
   • 75-85 minutes: Let the gumbo rest before serving.

Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.

Additional Tips:

• Use the resting time to clean up the kitchen or prepare a side dish like rice or crusty bread.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving.

Recipe Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Add the smoked sausage to the pot and cook until browned.

Stir in the chopped greens and cook until wilted.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Add salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

Stir in the okra and reduce the heat to low.

Cover the pot and simmer for 45 minutes.

Let the gumbo rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Steamed Rice: A classic accompaniment that helps soak up the flavorful broth.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and enjoying every last drop of the gumbo.
• Cornbread: Adds a slightly sweet contrast and complements the savory gumbo.
• Pickled Vegetables: Offers a tangy, crunchy contrast to the rich gumbo.
• Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy extra heat, serve with a side of hot sauce for added spice.

Storage

To store gumbo greens, let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

Freezing

To freeze Gumbo Greens, let it cool completely first.

Transfer to airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.

Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator.

Reheating

To reheat Gumbo Greens, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Alternatively, use the microwave in short intervals to avoid overcooking.

Add broth if needed.

Final Thoughts

Gumbo Greens is a delightful dish that brings the rich flavors of Creole cuisine to your table.

The combination of smoked sausage, fresh greens, and spices creates a hearty and comforting meal.

With just a bit of preparation and patience, you can enjoy this flavorful dish.

Serve it with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Adjust the spices to your liking, and don’t forget to let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Enjoy this delicious and satisfying dish with family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Another Type of Meat for the Smoked Sausage?

You can substitute smoked sausage with chicken, turkey, or shrimp. Adjust cooking times: cook chicken or turkey until browned, and add shrimp in the last 10 minutes of simmering. Confirm flavors blend well by seasoning appropriately.

What Can I Use as a Vegetarian Alternative to Chicken Broth?

You can use vegetable broth as a vegetarian alternative to chicken broth. Make sure it’s well-seasoned for depth. Consider adding nutritional yeast for umami flavor, enhancing the gumbo’s richness and maintaining the dish’s robust character.

Is It Possible to Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables and sausage first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, ensuring flavors meld perfectly.

How Can I Make This Gumbo Gluten-Free?

To make this gumbo gluten-free, guarantee your smoked sausage and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free. Substitute a gluten-free flour if you need a thickener. Verify all ingredient labels for hidden gluten sources to maintain safety.

What Wine Pairs Well With Gumbo Greens?

You’ll want to pair gumbo greens with a wine that complements its rich, spicy flavors. Consider a chilled Sauvignon Blanc for its crisp acidity or a fruity Pinot Noir, which balances the dish’s savory and smoky notes.

Gumbo Greens

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine Creole

Servings 6 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Knife
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 Measuring spoon

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup onion chopped
• 1 cup bell pepper chopped
• 1 cup celery chopped
• 3 clove garlic minced
• 1 pound smoked sausage sliced
• 1 pound greens chopped
• 4 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cup okra sliced

Instructions

 

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
• Add the smoked sausage to the pot and cook until browned.
• Stir in the chopped greens and cook until wilted.
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
• Add salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Stir in the okra and reduce the heat to low.
• Cover the pot and simmer for 45 minutes.
• Let the gumbo rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an authentic taste, use smoked sausage with a robust flavor. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. Ensure the greens are thoroughly washed before chopping to remove any grit. Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving, and consider serving with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.