Moroccan-inspired Gumbo

Ingredients

While the original American Gumbo typically features ingredients like Andouille sausage and okra, this Moroccan adaptation incorporates Moroccan spices and flavors. The traditional roux is replaced with a blend of Moroccan spices, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, to infuse the dish with a unique North African flair. Additionally, the use of preserved lemons and harissa adds a tangy and spicy kick to the dish, elevating it to a whole new level of deliciousness. 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
• 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
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground coriander 1 teaspoon (5g) ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground turmeric 1 teaspoon (5g) ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) paprika 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (200g) cooked chickpeas 1 cup (200g) cooked chickpeas
• 1 cup (200g) cooked chicken, shredded 1 cup (200g) cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup (200g) cooked shrimp 1 cup (200g) cooked shrimp
• 1 preserved lemon, sliced 1 preserved lemon, sliced
• 2 tablespoons (30g) harissa paste 2 tablespoons (30g) harissa paste
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 2g

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, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
3. 3.
   Sprinkle the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper over the vegetables. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
4. 4.
   Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked chickpeas, shredded chicken, and shrimp to the pot. Stir in the sliced preserved lemon and harissa paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Simmer the gumbo for an additional 10 minutes, or until the shrimp is cooked through.
7. 7.
   Serve the Moroccan-inspired Gumbo hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Preserved lemon — Rinse the preserved lemon slices under cold water to remove excess saltiness before adding them to the gumbo.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of Moroccan chili powder.
• Serve the gumbo with a side of couscous or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Feel free to customize the protein in the gumbo by using your choice of cooked meat or seafood.
• Adjust the consistency of the gumbo by adding more vegetable broth if desired.
• Make a larger batch of the Moroccan spice blend and store it in an airtight container for future use in other Moroccan-inspired dishes.

Serving advice

Serve the Moroccan-inspired Gumbo in deep bowls, allowing the flavors to mingle and the aromas to waft through the air. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, place a preserved lemon slice on top of each bowl of gumbo. The vibrant yellow color and tangy flavor of the preserved lemon will add an appealing visual element to the dish.