Greek Gumbo

Ingredients

While the original American Gumbo is known for its Cajun and Creole influences, our Greek Gumbo takes a different approach. We incorporate traditional Greek ingredients such as olive oil, feta cheese, and Mediterranean herbs to infuse the dish with a distinct Greek flavor profile. The spices and seasonings are also adjusted to align with the Greek culinary tradition. 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
• 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 (200g) okra, sliced 1 cup (200g) okra, sliced
• 1 cup (200g) eggplant, diced 1 cup (200g) eggplant, diced
• 1 cup (200g) zucchini, diced 1 cup (200g) zucchini, diced
• 1 cup (200g) potatoes, diced 1 cup (200g) potatoes, diced
• 1 cup (200g) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 cup (200g) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup (200g) canned diced tomatoes 1 cup (200g) canned diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 10g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 10g
• 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 diced red and green bell peppers to the pot and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, sliced okra, diced eggplant, diced zucchini, and diced potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add the canned chickpeas, canned diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. 7.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the Greek Gumbo hot, garnished with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Okra — To reduce the sliminess of okra, you can soak it in vinegar or lemon juice for 30 minutes before slicing and adding it to the dish.
• Eggplant — Salting the diced eggplant and letting it sit for 15 minutes before cooking helps to remove any bitterness.
• Feta cheese — For a creamier texture, you can crumble the feta cheese and mix it with a tablespoon of Greek yogurt before garnishing the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Greek Gumbo.
• Serve the dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference and seasonal availability.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes and chickpeas with a fork before serving.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.

Serving advice

Serve the Greek Gumbo in deep bowls, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of green. Accompany the dish with a slice of crusty bread to fully savor the delicious broth.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Greek Gumbo, drizzle a swirl of extra virgin olive oil on top just before serving. This adds a glossy finish and imparts a delightful aroma. You can also sprinkle a pinch of paprika or dried oregano for an extra touch of color and flavor.