Arab-Style Gumbo

Ingredients

While the original American gumbo typically includes ingredients like okra, sausage, and seafood, this Arab-style gumbo incorporates Middle Eastern spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The dish also features ingredients commonly found in Arab cuisine, such as chickpeas, lamb, and dates, giving it a unique flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Gumbo, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 500g lamb, cut into cubes 500g lamb, cut into cubes
• 4 cups (950 ml) chicken or vegetable broth 4 cups (950 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) water 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1 cup (185g) chopped dates 1 cup (185g) chopped dates
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 40g (Sugars: 20g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. 3.
   Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the diced tomatoes, chickpeas, lamb cubes, chicken or vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the lamb is tender.
5. 5.
   Stir in the chopped dates and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve the Arab-style gumbo hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lamb — For a more tender and flavorful result, marinate the lamb cubes in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and Middle Eastern spices for a few hours before cooking.
• Dates — If the dates are too dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping and adding them to the gumbo.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra layer of flavor, toast the ground spices in a dry skillet before adding them to the gumbo.
• If you prefer a thicker gumbo, you can add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with water to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Serve the gumbo with warm Arabic bread or rice to soak up the flavorful broth.

Serving advice

Serve the Arab-style gumbo in deep bowls, accompanied by warm Arabic bread or steamed rice. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

For an elegant presentation, garnish each bowl of gumbo with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of ground cumin. Serve with a side of warm Arabic bread or rice.