Quick Gumbo with Grilled Corn Grits + Smoky Chili Brown Butter
Try this Quick Gumbo with Grilled Corn Grits Smoky Chili Brown Butter recipe
Try this Quick Gumbo with Grilled Corn Grits Smoky Chili Brown Butter recipe
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen orka (i used frozen)
- 4-6 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoons corn starch mixed with a 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 cup quick cooking grits
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use a gluten free blend if nee
- 2 bell peppers (diced (i used 1 red and 1 orange))
- 1 clove garlic (minced or grated)
- 1 ounce large can diced tomatoes (14 i like to use fire roasted)
- 1 tablespoon creole seasoning (rounded)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (less if you do not want it too ho
- 1/2 pound andouille sausage (sliced + halved again into hal
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut i
- 2 ears [grilled corn | https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/
- Carbohydrate 142.116163344363 g
- Cholesterol 213.01875020699 mg
- Fat 123.294091743181 g
- Fiber 5.09828337247249 g
- Protein 24.9611625087988 g
- Saturated Fat 52.7898007147302 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1778g)
- Sodium 800.818167271326 mg
- Sugar 137.017879971891 g
- Trans Fat 6.94521017237133 g
- Calories 1760 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large soup pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking, until the flour begins to brown, about 4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the garlic, onion, okra and bell peppers, cook until the veggies begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, thyme, oregano, basil, creole seasoning, chili powder, cayenne, salt and pepper. Cover pot and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the broth, chicken and sausage. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and shred with a fork. Return the chicken to the gumbo.
- If a thicker consistency for your broth is desired, bring the gumbo to a boil and add the corn starch mixture. Simmer 1-2 minutes or until just slightly thickened.
- Simmer over low heat until ready to serve.
- While the gumbo is cooking, prepare the grits. In a small pot, bring the water, milk, and salt to a boil.
- Slowly stir the grits into the boiling mixture. Stir continuously until the grits are well mixed.
- Let the pot return to a boil, cover and lower the heat to low, cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more milk if necessary.
- Once the grits are creamy, stir in the butter and grilled corn kernels. Season with salt and pepper.
- To make the smoky chili brown butter, heat a heavy-bottomed 10-12 inch skillet, add butter and melt over medium heat until just browned. Butter will melt, foam, and froth, and then begin to brown along the bottom. Whisk the browned bits off of the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the smoked paprika and chili powder.
- To serve, divide the grits among bowls. Top with gumbo, drizzle with butter. Garnish with basil if desired. Enjoy!
A Busy Mom's Guide to Comfort Food: Quick Gumbo with a Twist
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school drop-offs, meetings, grocery shopping, and bedtime stories, finding time for a home-cooked meal that's both delicious and satisfying feels like a luxury. But what if I told you that a hearty, flavorful gumbo, complete with creamy corn grits and smoky chili brown butter, isn't just achievable on a busy weeknight, but actually relatively quick and easy? This recipe is my secret weapon – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that doesn't demand hours in the kitchen.
I love gumbo. The rich, complex flavors, the comforting warmth, the satisfying texture – it's the epitome of soul food. But traditional gumbo recipes can be time-consuming. That's why I've adapted this recipe to make it quicker, without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. This "quick" version still delivers on all the classic gumbo notes – smoky andouille sausage, tender chicken, and a deeply flavorful broth – but with a few clever shortcuts, it’s ready in under an hour. And the addition of grilled corn grits and smoky chili brown butter elevates this dish from a simple weeknight meal to something truly special. The slight char on the corn kernels adds a lovely sweetness, complementing the spice of the chili beautifully. The smoky chili brown butter is the perfect finishing touch, adding a layer of rich, nutty flavor that ties everything together.
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking – add more or less cayenne pepper depending on your heat tolerance. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option. And if you're short on time, you can use pre-grilled corn instead of grilling your own. The key is to not be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Beyond the Recipe: A Taste of Home
For me, this gumbo isn't just a meal; it's a connection to my roots. Gumbo was a staple in my grandmother's kitchen, a dish that filled our home with warmth and laughter on countless chilly evenings. The aroma alone was enough to transport me back to those cherished memories, a feeling I strive to recreate for my own family. This simplified version might not be exactly like Grandma's, but it captures the essence – that same comforting warmth, that same explosion of flavor. And that, to me, is what truly matters.
More than just a recipe, this is a testament to the power of adapting and reinventing traditional dishes to fit our modern lives. It’s proof that even amidst the chaos of a busy schedule, we can still create delicious, meaningful meals that nourish our bodies and souls. It's about finding joy in the kitchen, even when time is a precious commodity. It's about making memories, one delicious spoonful at a time. So, ditch the takeout menus, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to experience the magic of this Quick Gumbo – a taste of home, made easy.
This isn’t just a meal; it's a moment of peace in a busy week, a chance to slow down and savor the flavors of home. I encourage you to make this recipe your own. Experiment with different spices, add your favorite vegetables, and let the aroma fill your kitchen with the comforting scent of home. This is more than just a recipe; it's a ritual, a tradition, a way to connect with yourself and your loved ones through the simple act of cooking and sharing a delicious meal.
So go ahead, give this Quick Gumbo a try. You might just surprise yourself with how easy and rewarding it is to bring a little bit of comfort and joy into your busy life. And who knows, you might even start a new family tradition!
