Turkey Gumbo with roux tutorial

VeraBlue

Head Mistress
Gold Site Supporter
One of the reasons a gumbo tastes so fantastic is the roux. It's not that difficult if you take your time and don't leave it alone. Roux likes a friend.

This recipe makes enough for 10-12 people and freezes well if you don't have 10 to 12 people for dinner.

For the roux you need 1 C of fat and 1 1/4 c flour. It's usually 1 to 1, but I like my roux a bit drier. The fat can be of your choice, but I prefer the flavour of butter. In this particular case, I used 3/4 c butter, and got the remaining fat from the turkey carcass and by sauteing the andouille (rendering the fat) with the butter. Remove the andouille and any undissolved turkey fat once the butter melts. Add the flour and wisk till it's incorporated. This is a blonde roux

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Traditionally, to get the roux to a dark brown you should either listen to both sides of an LP or drink two beers. Unfortunately, there are no more LPs and we all drink at different paces.....People tend to walk away from the roux using these techniques, as well. Then, the bottom burns giving the roux a bitter taste. You can achieve the desired result in just 10 minutes if you continue to wisk the roux at a medium high heat. This is a roux the colour of milk chocolate

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And it's ready for the addition of the remaining gumbo ingredients.

1 C diced onion
1 C diced celery
1 C diced green pepper
3 minced garlic cloves
12 C turkey stock (Simply put the carcass into a pot of boiling water for 20 minutes - this will also help get all the meat off the bones)
3 C pulled turkey meat
4 andouille sausages, sliced 1/2 inch on the bias (if you cannot get this, use any smoked sausage you can find)
1/4 C green onions, sliced on a bias
3 C sliced okra
Salt, pepper, and cajun seasoning to taste


Once the roux has turned the colour of milk chocolate add the onions and cook in the roux for 10 minutes, stirring very often.
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As you do this, the onions will caramelize and the roux will darken a bit more.

Next, add the peppers, celery, garlic and sliced sausage. Cook for 1 minute. Strain the turkey stock/water and add to the gumbo pot. Stir well, incorporating the roux into the water. You may need to add some chicken or turkey base. Do this to taste. Add 1/2 the green onions and the turkey at this time. Cook over low heat 3-4 hours, stirring several times an hour. After the third hour add the okra and then taste for seasonings. I like about 2T cajun seasoning but you may not. Add a little at a time, you can always add more. Give the okra a chance to help thicken the gumbo so let it cook another 30 minutes after you add it.
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Ladle the gumbo into a bowl. Add a cup of white rice to the center of the bowl. Sprinkle sliced green onion over the top. Serve with Louisianna hot sauce for individual use.

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Cooksie

Well-known member
Site Supporter
Great tutorial! I've still got my turkey carcass, so maybe it will turn into gumbo. Yours looks wonderful.
 
Thanks! My T-Day turkey carcass is still residing in the freezer awaiting a "stock day". Very little meat left on it, but I can easily buy a turkey tenderloin or some cutlets to add in. Am thinking this is going to have to go on my ever-burgeoning "must try" list!

I usually grow my own okra or get it fresh at the farmers' market - not an option right now. Am thinking good-quality frozen would be okay?
 

VeraBlue

Head Mistress
Gold Site Supporter
I know frozen is always available and use it if that's all there is. I can get my hands on fresh okra at the local shop rite pretty much year round. Have to use it fast, though...it tends to go bad quickly in the fridge.

I didn't think I had 3 c of turkey left on the bones, thought I'd picked it clean, actually. But, once it hit the boiling water lots of meat loosens out, especially in the spinal area, and beneath the wish bone. If you don't get three cups worth you can always add more vegetables, or more sausage. Or whatever you have around the house.
 

Adillo303

*****
Gold Site Supporter
Looks absolutely delicious.

Ummmm I don't have a carcass, Anyone taking borders for dinner? LOL
 
K

Kimchee

Guest
Looks really good! Someday, I will get my roux that dark. Seems like it just won't go there for me, guess I need more heeat and patience.
 

VeraBlue

Head Mistress
Gold Site Supporter
Kimchee, I set a timer for 12 minutes. That's all it took on a flame that was just a bit less than high.
 
I know frozen is always available and use it if that's all there is. I can get my hands on fresh okra at the local shop rite pretty much year round. Have to use it fast, though...it tends to go bad quickly in the fridge.

Yes, here in the "northern south" - lol - all the supermarkets carry fresh okra year-round, but - like you said - it's such a perishable vegetable that it's difficult to find any that doesn't look rather sad. Maybe I'll get lucky when I'm ready to make this.
 
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