Smoked Fresh Okra Vegan Gumbo
Homegrown Smoked Fresh Okra Vegan Gumbo with gently smoked peppers, carrots, and herbs, simmered with red beans for an exquisite meatless gumbo.
What Is Gumbo?
At first sight, gumbo is typically recognized as a robust stew.
Or one among several hearty soup variations linked to New Orleans and Mardi Gras; an extravagant festivity preceding the commencement of Lent.
Why Extravagant?
Well, during the span of the 40 days of Lent, a season preceding Easter, animal products are avoided until Easter Sunday.
A traditional gumbo recipe is filled with sausage and various meat items.
However, with a dash of smokiness infused into the vegetables, the consistency of red beans, red lentils, or kidney beans, this plant-based rendition of a classic dish can be enjoyed at any time!
Okra, nonetheless, is the essence of this dish.
Tradition Introduces Gumbo To America
Anyone familiar with Gumbo understands that Okra is the foundation of this dish.
A West African-style gumbo, often referred to as okra soup in ‘Lowcountry’, is where this dish originated.
Okra is, or should be, the most crucial element of this dish.
Gumbo, frequently a spicy broth or thick stew, containing everything from sausage to seafood, this recipe centers around the okra, and is completely vegan.
What Ingredients Are Found In Grandmother’s Gumbo Down South?
Every grandmother’s classic gumbo, down south, begins with a roux, a mixture of all-purpose flour and butter, to thicken the stew.
Keep in mind that this gumbo will be based on a plant-centric diet, so butter will not be included.
In fact, with many individuals looking for a gluten-free roux, flour will also be omitted from this recipe.
I have discovered, instead, that the substance that exudes from the okra acts as a natural thickening agent.
No additional thickeners are necessary to create this a fulfilling soup.
A Delicious Gumbo With A Rich Taste – Without Cajun Seasoning
If you’ve been following my recipes, you know I favor cooking and seasoning food with ingredients that are as natural as possible.
In the past (before we became health-conscious), some individuals might have added liquid smoke to their gumbo to achieve a smoky taste.
Nope, never possessed the stuff!
Many others still keep in their spice cabinets jars of garlic powder or onion powder.
Fresh Flavors Yield The Best Recipe
Why on earth would you prepare with dried, chemically treated flavor enhancers when all you truly need is genuine ingredients!
Cajun Seasoning primarily consists of smoked paprika (which we can create ourselves), black, white, and cayenne pepper, onion, and garlic powder along with dried herbs. Nope!
Fresh oregano and thyme from the garden offer a more intense flavor, as do actual onions and garlic.
Numerous commercially available spice blends predominantly consist of salt, along with nitrites or sulfates to enhance shelf stability. Not happening!
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Smoked Gumbo</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><a href="https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/guide-to-perfect-smoked-vegetables/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Smoking</a></strong> the freshly harvested okra prior to creating a gumbo adds a rich, earthy taste to the dish.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Gumbo is frequently a spicy concoction, often comprising ingredients like sausage and seafood; however, this particular recipe highlights the <em>okra</em> and is entirely vegan<em>.</em></p><!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_6 – incontent_6 –><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-119" data-inserter-version="2"/><span data-ez-ph-id="119"/><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_6 – incontent_6 –>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Typically, a gumbo starts with a roux, which is a thickening blend of butter and flour.</p><!– End Ezoic – gen_incontent_7 – incontent_7 –><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-917" data-method="placement-service"/><span data-ez-ph-id="917"/><!– Ezoic – gen_incontent_7 – incontent_7 –>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Nonetheless, I have discovered that the <strong><a href="http://www.renderfoodmag.com/blog/2015/1/4/savor-the-science-thick-and-delicious-gumbo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">natural element</a></strong> present in okra serves as a natural thickening agent.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For this reason, there's no necessity for additional thickeners to produce a robust soup.</p><!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_7 – incontent_7 –><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-120" data-inserter-version="2"/><span data-ez-ph-id="120"/><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_7 – incontent_7 –>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Okra and Peppers</figcaption></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Smoking Enhances The Flavors Of Vegetables</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Who doesn’t adore the aroma and flavor of smoked delicacies!</p><!– End Ezoic – gen_incontent_8 – incontent_8 –><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-918" data-method="placement-service"/><span data-ez-ph-id="918"/><!– Ezoic – gen_incontent_8 – incontent_8 –>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As andouille sausage is typically included in gumbo—a smoked sausage crafted from pork—I aimed to replicate that flavor while ensuring it remained a vegan meal.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Smoking the okra and peppers in this recipe transforms what could normally be a vegetable soup into a richly flavored, smoky vegetable stew.</p><!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_8 – incontent_8 –><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-121" data-inserter-version="2"/><span data-ez-ph-id="121"/><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_8 – incontent_8 –>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">An additional delight in this gumbo comes from smoking and drying your own peppers (whether sweet or spicy), creating a stunning ground smoked paprika powder.</p><!– End Ezoic – gen_incontent_9 – incontent_9 –><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-919" data-method="placement-service"/><span data-ez-ph-id="919"/><!– Ezoic – gen_incontent_9 – incontent_9 –>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><p>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5DzqdpFdzM[/embed>
</p><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Homemade Smoked Paprika</figcaption></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How To Smoke Foods Indoors</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you are skilled with a grill, feel free to lightly smoke the okra and peppers for this dish on the grill.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Indoors smoking of foods is swift and simple, with less cleanup compared to heating wood chips on the grill. Here’s the procedure:</p><!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_9 – incontent_9 –><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-122" data-inserter-version="2"/><span data-ez-ph-id="122"/><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_9 – incontent_9 –>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>First</strong>, we need to place around 2 cups of hickory or apple wood chips in a bowl of water and allow them to soak for 30 minutes.</li>
<li><strong>Second</strong>, we will prepare the stovetop smoking apparatus using a pot with a colander that fits inside and a lid. Consider the traditional pasta cookers. Heat the base pot over medium heat on the stove with a piece of foil placed at the bottom.</li>
<li><strong>Third</strong>, encase the soaked wood chips in a piece of foil, ensuring the sides are open to let the smoke escape, and set it at the bottom of the already lined pot.</li><!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_10 – incontent_10 –><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-123" data-inserter-version="2"/><span data-ez-ph-id="123"/><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_10 – incontent_10 –>
<li><strong>Last</strong>, position the colander in the pot with the lid on, increase the heat to high, wait about 5 minutes until the smoke becomes visible, and then place the ‘oil-tossed’ vegetables inside the colander, replacing the lid. Smoke for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let sit for another 5 minutes with the lid on.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Smoking Vegetables With A Smoking Gun</figcaption></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Vegan Garden – Obviously!</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Summer gardens and farmer’s markets overflowing with sun-ripened vegetables are enough to convert anyone into a vegan!</p><!– End Ezoic – gen_incontent_10 – incontent_10 –><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-920" data-method="placement-service"/><span data-ez-ph-id="920"/><!– Ezoic – gen_incontent_10 – incontent_10 –>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Cultivating vegetables and herbs in a large garden or pots on a deck inspires the way I eat during the summer.</p><!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_11 – incontent_11 –><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-124" data-inserter-version="2"/><span data-ez-ph-id="124"/><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_11 – incontent_11 –>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">What about yourself?</p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><p>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-aeQXkB5nA[/embed>
</p><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Drying Okra Seeds For Planting</figcaption></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Salads, certainly, like my <strong>Beet and Endive Salad,</strong> are an excellent way to savor vegetables from summer harvests, but they aren’t the sole method.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Vegetable pizza toppings provide a terrific way to relish summer produce.</p><!– End Ezoic – gen_incontent_11 – incontent_11 –><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-921" data-method="placement-service"/><span data-ez-ph-id="921"/><!– Ezoic – gen_incontent_11 – incontent_11 –>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For a fantastic summer pizza, you must experience my <strong>Deconstructed Ratatouille Pizza!</strong></p><!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_12 – incontent_12 –><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-125" data-inserter-version="2"/><span data-ez-ph-id="125"/><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_12 – incontent_12 –>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A veggie quiche is yet another delightful way to incorporate
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">tomatoes and spices into a dish. </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On<strong><a href="https://www.pbs.org/video/the-daily-dish-vuxkip/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> The Great American Recipe</a></strong>, I crafted an exquisite <strong>Potato Crusted Tomato Quiche</strong> that the judges adored, and you’re certain to appreciate as well. No gluten in the base!</p><!– End Ezoic – gen_incontent_12 – incontent_12 –><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-922" data-method="placement-service"/><span data-ez-ph-id="922"/><!– Ezoic – gen_incontent_12 – incontent_12 –>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Spicy Gumbo In The Summer?</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This Garden Gumbo is another beloved method to relish the bounties of a summer garden.</p><!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_13 – incontent_13 –><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-126" data-inserter-version="2"/><span data-ez-ph-id="126"/><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_13 – incontent_13 –>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Indeed, a hot bowl of soup is enjoyed in some of the warmest regions of the globe, all year long.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hence, do not dismiss this hot summer soup; it will genuinely refresh you!</p><!– End Ezoic – gen_incontent_13 – incontent_13 –><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-923" data-method="placement-service"/><span data-ez-ph-id="923"/><!– Ezoic – gen_incontent_13 – incontent_13 –>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My <strong>Brazilian Seafood Chowder</strong> was also a triumph on The Great American Recipe, and Brazil consistently experiences warm weather!</p><!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_14 – incontent_14 –><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-127" data-inserter-version="2"/><span data-ez-ph-id="127"/><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_14 – incontent_14 –>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What To Accompany Smoked Vegan Garden Gumbo</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">While Rice is certainly a choice, my preferred way to savor nearly any variety of soup is alongside a slice of Homemade Bread.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On that occasion, I baked a loaf of <strong>Rosemary Bread</strong>.</p><!– End Ezoic – gen_incontent_14 – incontent_14 –><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-924" data-method="placement-service"/><span data-ez-ph-id="924"/><!– Ezoic – gen_incontent_14 – incontent_14 –>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Any alternative herb can be added to a homemade bread.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As summer pots are filled with herbs, I spread a layer of <strong>Almond Basil Pesto </strong> on top.</p><!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_15 – incontent_15 –><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-128" data-inserter-version="2"/><span data-ez-ph-id="128"/><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_15 – incontent_15 –>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you're adhering to a completely vegan meal, simply substitute a non-dairy cheese in the pesto!</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Almond Basil Pesto & Rosemary Bread</figcaption></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Equipment Required</h2>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/3OWClQd" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">4-quart pot</a></strong> with a cover</li>
<li>Chopping board</li>
<li>Knife for chopping</li>
<li>Cup for measuring</li>
<li>Spoons for measuring</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/430F8Oo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Smoking gun</a></strong>, or another option for smoking (my favorite smoking device is linked below)</li>
<li>Stovetop or burner</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ingredients Required</h2>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Red beans</li>
<li>Sweet onion</li>
<li>Garlic</li>
<li>Olive oil</li>
<li>Water</li>
<li>Salt</li>
<li><strong>Smoked paprika</strong></li>
<li>Okra</li>
<li>Poblanos</li>
<li>Sweet peppers</li>
<li>Celery</li>
<li>Carrots</li>
<li>Chives</li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gumbo Ingredients</figcaption></figure>
<div id="wprm-recipe-container-33085" class="wprm-recipe-container" data-recipe-id="33085" data-servings="4"><div class="wprm-recipe wprm-recipe-template-wd-2026"><div class="wprm-recipe-image wprm-block-image-rounded"></div>
<div class="wprm-recipe-template-wd-2026-container">
<div id="recipe-33085-ingredients" class="wprm-recipe-ingredients-container wprm-recipe-ingredients-no-images wprm-recipe-33085-ingredients-container wprm-block-text-normal wprm-ingredient-style-regular wprm-recipe-images-before" data-recipe="33085" data-servings="4"><div class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-group"><ul class="wprm-recipe-ingredients"><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="list-style-type: disc;" data-uid="0"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount">1 1/2</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit">cups</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name">Red beans, dry</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="list-style-type: disc;" data-uid="1"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name">Sweet onion</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes-faded">large</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="list-style-type: disc;" data-uid="2"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount">4</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name">Garlic cloves</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="list-style-type: disc;" data-uid="3"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount">1/4</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit">cup</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name">Olive oil </span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="list-style-type: disc;" data-uid="4"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount">10</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit">cups</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name">Water </span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes-faded">boiling</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="list-style-type: disc;" data-uid="5"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount">2</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit">tsp</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name">Salt </span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes-faded">or to taste</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="list-style-type: disc;" data-uid="7"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount">10</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name">Okra </span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="list-style-type: disc;" data-uid="8"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount">2</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name">Poblanos </span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes-faded">medium</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="list-style-type: disc;" data-uid="9"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount">4</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name">Sweet peppers </span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="list-style-type: disc;" data-uid="10"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit">cup</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name">Celery </span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes-faded">chopped</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="list-style-type: disc;" data-uid="11"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit">cup</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name">Carrots </span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes-faded">chopped</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="list-style-type: disc;" data-uid="12"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount">1/2</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit">cup</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name">Chives</span>
<span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes-faded">diced</span></li><li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="list-style-type: disc;" data-uid="13"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit">tbsp</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name">Smoked Paprika</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes wprm-recipe-ingredient-notes-faded"><strong>homemade smoked</strong></span></li></ul></div></div>
<div id="recipe-33085-instructions" class="wprm-recipe-instructions-container wprm-recipe-33085-instructions-container wprm-block-text-normal" data-recipe="33085"><div class="wprm-recipe-instruction-group"><ul class="wprm-recipe-instructions"><li id="wprm-recipe-33085-step-0-0" class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="list-style-type: decimal;"><p><span style="display: block;">In a medium-sized saucepan, ideally a Dutch oven, sauté the diced onion, garlic, and dried legumes. Add the salt and paprika, then carefully pour in the boiling water. Cover and let it cook on low heat for approximately one hour, or until the legumes are tender.</span></p></li><!– Ezoic – wp_incontent_16 – incontent_16 –><span id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-129" data-inserter-version="2"/><span data-ez-ph-id="129"/><!– End Ezoic – wp_incontent_16 – incontent_16 –><li id="wprm-recipe-33085-step-0-1" class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="list-style-type: decimal;"><p><span style="display: block;">In the meantime, dice the okra, peppers, celery, carrots, and chives. Set aside the celery, peppers, and okra to smoke them using a grill tray over a barbecue, in a plastic bag for hand smoking, or by using a stovetop method.</span></p></li><li id="wprm-recipe-33085-step-0-2" class="wprm-recipe-instruction" style="list-style-type: decimal;"><p>Incorporate the smoked vegetables along with the remaining diced veggies into the cooked red legumes. Let it simmer on low for about 15 minutes and then serve.</p></li></ul></div></div>
<div id="wprm-recipe-video-container-33085" class="wprm-recipe-video-container"><p>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJfXYVJsYxQ
- Using canned legumes is an option, which also shortens the cooking time significantly and reduces the amount of water required.
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