Gumbo is a spicy, flavorful, and hearty dish that is a favorite in many households. However, many people don’t know that it’s traditionally served with a variety of dishes.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the more popular dishes that go well with gumbo. If you’re not sure what side dishes to serve with gumbo, this post should help.
What are some additional ideas for serving Gumbo?
Gumbo is a classic Southern dish that is served throughout the United States. Traditionally, it is served with cooked white rice, but there are many other ways you can serve it. Here are some additional ideas for serving gumbo:
For a low-carb option, serve the gumbo with a side of steamed vegetables, such as cauliflower, broccoli, or squash. For a side dish, serve a salad with light vinaigrette dressing, or some fresh fruit. You can also serve the gumbo with a variety of bread, such as garlic bread, focaccia, or cornbread.
To add a bit of crunch to the meal, you can try topping the gumbo with a few fried oysters, crab claws, or shrimp. For a heartier meal, add some andouille sausage, ham, or pork.
For a more traditional Southern experience, serve the gumbo with okra, collard greens, or black-eyed peas. To add a bit of sweetness, you can serve it with a side of candied sweet potatoes, or a spoonful of peach cobbler. For a touch of spice, consider adding some Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce.
Finally, some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add an extra layer of flavor. With these additional ideas, you can make your gumbo a meal that is as unique and flavorful as you want it to be!
In the next section, we will dive deeper into some of our favorite recommendation dishes to serve with Gumbo!
1. Cornbread
Gumbo is a traditional cajun dish that is hearty and filling. A classic combination with this savory stew is cornbread. This Southern favorite is a staple at many family gatherings, and it is the perfect side dish for gumbo.
Cornbread is a dense, moist bread made from cornmeal, which can be sweet or savory depending on the recipe. It has a crunchy golden brown crust and a light and fluffy interior. It can be served either as a full-sized loaf or as individual cornbread muffins. Cornbread is a great addition to gumbo because it adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.
The sweetness of the cornbread helps to balance out the spiciness of the gumbo, while the crunchy crust adds a pleasant contrast to the softness of the stew. Furthermore, the density of the cornbread helps to soak up some of the flavors of the gumbo, creating an even more delicious meal.
2. Cheese Bread
Cheese Bread is a great way to enhance the flavor of gumbo. It is simple to make but can make a big difference in the overall flavor profile. Cheese Bread is a great side dish to serve with gumbo because it brings out the complexity of the spices. It is made from a combination of cheese, butter, and sometimes some herbs, and can be served warm or cold.
The cheese and butter act together to bring out the depth of flavor in the gumbo. The cheese is a great way to add a salty and savory note which helps to balance the flavors of the gumbo.
The butter helps to bring out the sweetness of the spices and helps to create a creamy texture. The herbs can add a hint of freshness which helps to bring out the richness of the gumbo.
Cheese Bread is a great way to add a unique flavor to your gumbo. It is also an economical side dish that can feed many people. It is easy to customize the flavor of the bread to suit the flavor of the gumbo.
By adding different kinds of cheese, herbs, and butter, you can create a unique flavor combination that will make your gumbo even more delicious.
3. Potato Salad
When it comes to serving a side dish with gumbo, potato salad is a classic option. This dish can be made with a variety of potatoes, including regular potatoes, sweet potatoes, or a combination of the two. Preparing the potatoes for the salad involves boiling the potatoes until they are just tender. Once cooled, the potatoes are diced before being tossed with the dressing.
The dressing is typically a mixture of mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and herbs. Traditional herbs used in potato salads include dill, parsley, and basil, while other variations can include garlic and onion. The salad is then chilled, allowing the flavors to blend.
The finished dish is a creamy, flavorful side dish that can be served alongside any type of gumbo. Not only is it a great accompaniment to gumbo, but potato salad is also a popular side dish for summer barbecues or outdoor gatherings.
4. Okra
Okra is an essential part of any gumbo dish. It is a vegetable native to Africa and is a popular ingredient in many cuisines. The okra is cut into small pieces and then stewed in the gumbo mixture until it is soft and tender. This vegetable adds a unique flavor to the gumbo and makes it a truly flavorful dish.
Okra also helps to thicken the gumbo, due to its high mucilage content. This mucilage is released into the gumbo mixture while it is cooking, and helps to bind the ingredients together. In addition, okra is high in vitamins and minerals and provides an array of health benefits. For example, it is high in fiber, which can help to regulate the digestive system.
To complement the flavors of the gumbo and okra, it is best to serve it with some type of carbohydrates, such as rice or potatoes. This helps to balance out the flavors and also provides a good source of energy.
Furthermore, a side dish of cooked greens such as cabbage or collard greens is a great accompaniment to the gumbo. This adds some extra nutrition to the meal and also helps to add a bit of color and flavor.
5. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of gumbo. This classic Southern side dish is made by combining shredded cabbage and carrots with a creamy, tangy dressing. The dressing is often made with mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings like celery seed, salt, and pepper.
The flavors of the dressing are the perfect balance to the savory, hearty gumbo. The crunch of the cabbage and carrots provides a nice contrast to the soft, stewed vegetables in the gumbo.
The crisp texture of the coleslaw also adds a nice contrast to the creamy texture of the gumbo. As the cabbage and carrots are grated or cut into thin strips, more surface area is exposed to the dressing. This helps to distribute the flavor more evenly and makes for a more interesting dish. Coleslaw also helps to cool down the spiciness of the gumbo, making it more enjoyable for those who like a milder heat.
Coleslaw is a simple, yet delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with gumbo. It is a classic Southern dish that adds flavor and texture to the stew and helps to cool down the spiciness. Whether it is served on its own or as a topping for the gumbo, coleslaw is sure to be a hit at any dinner table.
6. Boiled Corn
Boiled corn is an ideal accompaniment to a tasty gumbo. Not only does it add texture and flavor to the gumbo, it also provides a unique balance to the flavorful dish. I
t is easy to prepare, requiring only a few minutes of boiling time and a few tablespoons of butter or oil. When cooked, the corn kernels should be tender but still have a bit of bite. To add extra flavor to the corn, add a pinch of salt and pepper or a sprinkle of paprika.
When it comes to serving boiled corn with gumbo, the options are endless. It can be served as a single side dish, paired with other vegetables, or even used as an ingredient in the gumbo itself. If you want to keep the dish light, boiled corn can be served with a simple salad of mixed greens, or it can be served alongside a spicy Creole-style dish.
Boiled corn can also be used as a thickener for the gumbo, adding a creamy texture and richness to the final dish. Additionally, boiled corn can be used in a variety of gumbo recipes, from classic Creole-style recipes to vegan and vegetarian options.
7. Cornbread Dressing with Sausage
This delicious, Southern-style cornbread dressing with sausage is the perfect side dish to serve with gumbo. Made with crumbled cornbread, seasoned sausage, celery, onions, garlic, and herbs, this dish is flavorful and filling.
The cornbread adds a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and a slightly crunchy texture. The sausage adds a savory, smoky flavor and subtle spiciness. The celery, onions, and garlic add a mild flavor and a subtle sweetness. The herbs add a fragrant aroma and flavor, with a bit of heat.
To assemble the cornbread dressing, the cornbread and sausage are combined in a large bowl. The celery, onions, garlic, and herbs are sautéed in a pan until fragrant and tender. Then, the celery mixture is added to the cornbread and sausage mixture and stirred to combine.
The mixture is then transferred to a baking dish and baked until golden brown and crisp. Once cooked, the cornbread dressing can be served warm alongside your favorite gumbo.
8. Hush Puppies
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish that’s the perfect complement to a bowl of gumbo. A traditional hush puppy is a small, deep-fried ball of cornmeal batter. The flavor of hush puppies is slightly sweet with a hint of onion and garlic.
They are also lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. When served with gumbo, hush puppies can provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor. They are crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and their slight sweetness pairs nicely with the savory, spicy flavors of the gumbo.
For those looking to make their own hush puppies at home, the best type of cornmeal to use is stone-ground cornmeal. It’s coarser than regular cornmeal and provides a heartier flavor.
Other ingredients that can be used to enhance the flavor include green onions, garlic, peppers, and spices like cayenne pepper, black pepper, and paprika.
To make the batter, mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients before dropping small spoonfuls into the hot oil. Fry the hush puppies until they become golden brown. Serve with a side of gumbo and enjoy!
9. Fried Rice
Gumbo is a southern stew, usually made with a combination of vegetables and a protein such as chicken, shrimp, or sausage. To accompany this flavorful dish, many people opt for a side of steamed white rice.
However, fried rice can be an even more delicious option. Fried rice is a simple dish made by frying cooked white rice in oil and then stirring in flavoring elements such as eggs, vegetables, and seasonings. This dish provides a unique texture and flavor to the meal that perfectly complements the gumbo.
The key to making great fried rice is to use cold, cooked rice. This is because the rice is more likely to separate when it is cooked and cooled, creating individual grains of rice that will fry evenly.
It is also important to use high heat when frying the rice, as this will give it a nice golden color and a crisp texture. Finally, adding an egg or two and some vegetables, such as onions, peppers, or mushrooms, will enhance the flavor of the fried rice and ensure that it is a delicious accompaniment to the gumbo.
In conclusion, fried rice is a flavorful and easy dish to serve with gumbo. It is quick to make and can easily be customized to suit any palate. By using cold-cooked rice, high heat, and a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious side dish to perfectly complement the gumbo.
Final Thoughts
Gumbo can be served for dinner, lunch, or brunch, so it’s easy to add it to any meal. It’s filling, tasty, and healthy, so it’s also a family favorite.
We hope this article is beneficial to you and that you can now serve this delicious dish with more confidence.
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