Croatian-style Gumbo

Ingredients

While the original American Gumbo typically includes ingredients like Andouille sausage and okra, this Croatian-style Gumbo substitutes them with local Croatian sausages and seasonal vegetables. The spices and seasonings have also been adjusted to complement the Croatian flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Gumbo, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 Croatian sausages, sliced 2 Croatian sausages, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (185g) cooked rice 1 cup (185g) cooked rice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced Croatian sausages to the pot and cook until they are browned.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers, and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the gumbo simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Remove the bay leaf from the pot.
8. 8.
   Serve the Croatian-style Gumbo over cooked rice and garnish with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Croatian sausages — Look for locally made sausages with a good balance of spices. If unavailable, you can substitute with any flavorful sausage of your choice.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
• Adjust the thickness of the gumbo by adding more or less chicken broth.
• Allow the gumbo to simmer for longer to deepen the flavors.
• Serve the gumbo with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Leftover gumbo tastes even better the next day, so consider making a larger batch.

Serving advice

Serve the Croatian-style Gumbo hot in individual bowls, with a scoop of cooked rice at the bottom. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

For an authentic touch, serve the gumbo in traditional Croatian ceramic bowls or rustic earthenware. Pair it with a side of crusty bread and a sprig of fresh herbs for an inviting presentation.