Tina’s Vegetarian Gumbo Soup (From Mardi Gras Night)
In a stock pot add over medium heat:
1/4 cup oil* Olive or vegetable oil, but I used Olive Oil (see optional version*)
*Optional version: for thicker broth, make a roux with either corn starch or flour, added to oil before adding vegetables.
(Combine oil and flour – about 3 Tbl.- stir over medium heat til browned, about 20 min.)
I small bag of frozen, cut okra (about 10 oz) or more if you prefer
1 cup of Diced mild green chili peppers
1 green bell pepper, chopped into small chunks
1 red bell pepper, chopped into small chunks
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped into small chunks
1 large onion, chopped into small chunks
1 cup thinly sliced celery
1 leek, chopped into small chunks
1 Teaspoon Fresh cracked pepper
Sauté above in the olive oil (or roux) for about 5-10 minutes, stir to avoid sticking or burning
Then add:
Garlic (to taste, however I used 3 frozen Dorot cubes)
3 medium carrots sliced, no more than ¼ “ thick
2 medium sized red potatoes, peeled and sliced into cubes
½ Teaspoon chopped, fresh, English Thyme (dried thyme use less!)
1 Teaspoon dried Oregano
Bay leaf (optional)
1 14-15 oz can of diced fire roasted tomatoes
Continue to cook until all vegetables are softened, especially the okra, about 20 minutes
Next add:
Vegetable broth (for 20 people I used one 32oz carton)
Fill carton with water 3-4 times & add to pot, depending on how brothy you want it
“Better than Boullion” Vegetable flavor, about 3-4 tablespoons (or to taste)
1 Teaspoon Onion powder or onion salt (Trader Joe’s is best, less sodium)
Bring to a boil, add the following:
1 cup of Black Eyed peas (follow package instructions to soften dry type); or 1 can, drained
1 cup Northern white beans, drained
2/3 cup red beans (if using dry beans, follow package instructions to soften first)
2 tablespoons File Powder (or to taste)
¼ - ½ Teaspoon Smoked Paprika (as this is strong, taste before adding more)
1 cup uncooked rice
Reduce heat to simmer for about 30 -45 minutes. Taste to add any salt
This is a mild version, however if you prefer spicy, add Cajun seasoning or Old Bay seasoning or Cayenne.