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Recipe
Gumbo Z'herbes

Gumbo Z'herbes

This gumbo, sometimes called green gumbo, is often dubbed the king of the gumbos. Sometimes made with a roux, sometimes not, it's always made with assorted greens.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 1/2 to 3 hours
  • Yield: 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds salt meat or pickled pork (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
  • 5 bay leaves
  • 16 cups water or chicken stock
  • 4 pounds (about 6 bunches) assorted greens, such as collards, mustard or turnip greens, spinach, chard, and kale, trimmed, washed, and dried
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cups chopped onions
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

  • Put the meat, if using, with the salt, cayenne, and bay leaves in a large deep pot and add water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 30 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove the meat and chop it. Set aside.

  • Reduce the heat to medium and add the greens, a handful at a time, and blanch until they are wilted. Drain, reserving the liquid. Coarsely chop the greens. Set aside.

  • In the same pot, heat the oil over medium heat and add the onions, bell peppers, and celery. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are wilted and golden, about 10 minutes. Add the meat, greens, reserved liquid, thyme, oregano, basil, and parsley. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Remove the bay leaves. If not using meat, add 4 tablespoons butter to the pot just before removing from the heat. Serve in deep soup bowls.

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