Great grandmas louisiana gumbo

4 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
¾poundsBoneless beef chuck
2tablespoonsAll purpose flour
3tablespoonsBacon drippings
1poundsFresh okra; 1-inch slices
2largesRed-ripe tomatoes; peeled; in 3/4-inch wedges
2mediumsOnions; chopped
1smallGreen bell pepper; cut in large squares
1Clove (large) garlic; minced
1teaspoonGumbo file powder
¾teaspoonSalt
Liquid hot pepper sauce to taste
Cooked rice

Directions

Cut meat in 1-inch cubes, then dredge in flour. Melt bacon drippings in a large, heavy saucepan, then add floured meat and cook until browned. Remove meat from pan; add okra and cook until browned (browning prevents the okra from taking on the somewhat slimy texture that many find unpleasant).

Return meat to pan, then stir in tomatoes, onions, bell peppers and garlic.

Add water to cover. Bring to a boil; then reduce heat, cover and simmer 1-½ to 2 hours or until meat is tender and mixture has the consistency of thick soup. Add file powder, salt and hot pepper sauce. Simmer 30 minutes longer. Adjust seasonings, then serve over rice. Makes 4 servings.

NOTE: Pork shoulder, chicken, seafood or any combination can be substituted for the beef as desired.

From the <Hotter Than Hell!>, by Jane Butel, ISBN 0-89586-646-3 (0-89586-542-4 paperback). Downloaded from Glen's MM Recipe Archive, .