A Deliciously Authentic New Orleans Turkey Gumbo Recipe: Two Takes on a Classic

Calling all gumbo lovers! If you’re looking for a flavorful and hearty dish to warm you up on a chilly day, look no further than this New Orleans-inspired turkey gumbo. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover turkey and is sure to become a family favorite.

Two Gumbo Recipes, One Delicious Tradition:

This collection features two fantastic turkey gumbo recipes, each with its own unique twist:

1. Authentic Cajun Turkey Gumbo (Food.com):

This recipe from Food.com boasts a rich and complex flavor profile, thanks to the use of a traditional Cajun roux and a variety of aromatic vegetables. The addition of smoked sausage and okra adds depth and texture to the dish, making it a truly authentic New Orleans experience.

2 Turkey Gumbo (From a Louisiana Girl!) (Little Spoon Farm):

This recipe from Little Spoon Farm is a simpler take on the classic gumbo, but it’s no less delicious The use of ground sage and thyme gives the gumbo a unique green hue, while the smoked sausage and leftover turkey provide a hearty and satisfying base.

Key Ingredients for a Perfect Gumbo:

The Roux: The foundation of any good gumbo is the roux, a mixture of equal parts fat and flour cooked until it reaches a deep brown color. This gives the gumbo its characteristic thickness and rich flavor.
Aromatic Vegetables: Onions, celery, and bell peppers are the traditional vegetables used in gumbo, adding sweetness and depth to the dish.
Turkey: Leftover turkey is the star of this show, providing a tender and flavorful base for the gumbo.
Smoked Sausage: Smoked sausage adds a smoky and savory flavor to the gumbo, complementing the turkey beautifully.
Okra: Okra is a key ingredient in gumbo, adding a unique texture and thickening the soup.
Chicken Stock: Chicken stock provides the base for the gumbo, adding moisture and flavor.
Seasonings: A blend of spices, including ground sage, thyme, salt, and cayenne pepper, gives the gumbo its signature flavor.

Tips for Making the Perfect Gumbo:

Don’t burn the roux: The roux is the most important part of the gumbo, so be sure to cook it slowly and carefully, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of your gumbo. Use fresh vegetables, good-quality sausage, and flavorful turkey.
Let the flavors develop: Gumbo is best when it’s simmered for a long time, allowing the flavors to meld and develop.
Serve with rice and a side of bread: Gumbo is traditionally served over steamed rice with a side of crusty bread.

Whether you choose the authentic Cajun recipe or the simpler version from Little Spoon Farm, you’re sure to enjoy this delicious and comforting turkey gumbo. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover turkey and is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to cook up a pot of this New Orleans classic!

What’s the secret ingredient of gumbo?

A true New Orleans gumbo just is not gumbo without a roux. This fundamental ingredient, a 1:1 ratio of fat to flour, works like magic to create the flavor and thickness base that results in a stewy gumbo rather than a flavorful meat soup.

Advice on making a good, authentic gumbo roux:

Stir, stir, stir. Keep an eye on that roux because it can quickly turn from brown to burnt. You are going for a nice chestnut color. Just keep stirring.
Both the color and textures evolve. This is normal. As you can see below, the roux will alternate between thick and thin. The far right is your ideal color.
Oil, not butter. Gumbo roux requires a dark color, so oil is used in this recipe instead of butter. The dairy solids in butter will burn. Some roux call for butter because they are only very slightly toasted in color, such as béchamel or white sauce.

new orleans turkey gumbo recipe

Turkey And Sausage Gumbo | Gumbo Recipes

FAQ

What are the 2 rules of gumbo?

Thou Shalt Always Use a Bowl. If you use a plate, it is not gumbo it is rice and gravy! Thou Shalt Only Use a Wooden Spoon. There is only one kind of spoon that can enter a gumbo pot and that is a wooden one.

What is the secret to good gumbo?

Great gumbo starts with roux, a flavorful thickening agent made from equal parts fat and flour. Once the roux is a deep golden color, add diced veggies and sausage to the mix. Then, incorporate beef bouillon, hot sauce, tomatoes, and seasonings to intensify the flavor.

What is the difference between gumbo and gumbo ya ya?

Gumbo Ya-Ya is a version of Creole/Cajun Gumbo with chicken and andouille sausage. While there are many types of gumbo with varying ingredients, this one is the most famous.

What is in gumbo in New Orleans?

With a heritage claiming both French and West African roots, gumbo is a thick stew served over rice and made with a roux (a mixture of butter and flour) and a wide variety of ingredients such as celery, peppers, okra, onions chicken, sausage and/or seafood.