Chicken Gumbo Soup, that childhood favorite from the red-labeled can is now within your reach – homemade, tastier, and better for you!
When I was growing up, soup can from a can with a red label. If we were lucky, that can of soup cost only 15 cents at the grocery store, at which time my dad would heap the cart high with the chicken noodle variety.
On days when Mom was doing the shopping, she let me choose my favorite kinds. Sometimes I’d choose Chicken and Stars, sometimes Bean with Bacon, but more often than not I’d choose Chicken Gumbo Soup.
California-born and bred, I had no idea what true gumbo was like or what the heck that funny green vegetable was floating in there, but I sure loved Chicken Gumbo Soup.
Fast forward 15 years and I was a newlywed, having a grand old time playing Donna Reed in my little 200-square foot studio apartment that I shared with my husband.
One of our friends had gifted us a huge soup ladle and a copy of A Feast of Soups. Her advice to me was to learn to make soup, as that was an economical way to feed guests. You could extend hospitality without ending up in the poor house yourself.
That soup cookbook, originally published in 1982, back when I was ten and enjoyed canned soup, became a very important part of my food education. While there aren’t many soup recipes in that book that I make, the soup making INSTRUCTION in that book is invaluable. I have read it cover to cover several times over, and owe much to Ms. Heriteau for having taught me to make soup. If your family enjoys soups, then it is worth it to hunt down a copy of this book.
If you can’t find the chicken gumbo soup, it is said that the chicken and rice soup version with a little tomato or tomato sauce added, makes an acceptable substitute. Others have used the chicken alphabet soup as well.
Can gumbo sit out overnight?
You want to make sure to not let the gumbo sit out overnight. Be sure to allow it to cool to room temperature, but after 2 hours make sure to store the gumbo, covered in an airtight container, in a refrigerator.
What is gumbo soup made of?
This Chicken Gumbo Soup recipe is an adaptation of one included in my favorite soup cookbook. The recipe, as named in the book, is called, “California Chicken Gumbo for a Mob.” I have no idea why it would be called Californian, and it only barely feeds my family of 8 at one sitting. But it is super good.
The original directions call for you to saute the butter, ham, celery, onion, pepper, and rice. Stir in the flour and a cup of chicken broth and then dump all the ingredients into a slow cooker, including uncooked chicken pieces. However, I prefer to make this Chicken Gumbo Soup with cooked chicken and to cook the soup itself on the stove top. I like the textures better. But, know that you can absolutely make it in the slow cooker if you like.
Chicken Gumbo Soup
FAQ
What is a substitute for chicken broth in gumbo?
What is chicken gumbo soup made of?
Does gumbo have to be soup?
What are the ingredients in Campbell’s gumbo soup?
What is a substitute for Chicken Gumbo Soup?
Another substitute for chicken gumbo soup is beef soup. The beef soup contains beef chunks that are stewed until tender in its stock. Beef soup can be made at home, and to complete a flavorful homemade version, you will need other veggie ingredients like onions, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, and beans per preference.
What are the healthy substitutes of chicken broth?
Vegetable broth is an easy substitute for chicken broth. It has a very similar Flavor and color. Vegetable broth has a high amount of minerals because of vegetables, it prevents several diseases. Full of phytochemicals prevents eye diseases, cancer and heart problems. Immunity booster. Vegetable broth remains fresh and edible in a refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
Can you eat canned Chicken Gumbo Soup?
However, canned chicken gumbo soup is often packed with a certain amount of preservatives and additives with high sodium content. Therefore, you should limit your portion and frequency of eating canned chicken gumbo soup and try making the homemade version sometimes.
Can you use chicken stock in gumbo?
And some cooks add garlic to the mix, which we entirely approve of. For the most flavor, use stock or broth in your gumbo instead of water. Whether you use chicken or vegetable stock, homemade or boxed, the stock will give your gumbo more depth and complexity. Gumbo is a project. And you can’t rush it.