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gumbo z'herbes recipe

Classic Louisiana Gumbo Z'herbes with Mixed Greens

A hearty, smoky Louisiana gumbo packed with mixed greens, smoked ham, and andouille sausage in a dark roux, perfect for a soul-warming one-pot meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds mixed greens collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, beet tops, carrot tops, radish tops, spinach, etc.
  • 1/4 cup bacon fat or corn oil
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 onion peeled and chopped
  • 1 clove garlic peeled and minced
  • 1 green pepper cored, seeded and diced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1-1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 pound smoked ham cut into chunks
  • 1/2 pound garlic sausage or andouille sausage cut into chunks

Equipment

  • large kettle
  • heavy pot

Method
 

  1. Thoroughly wash and coarsely chop the mixed greens, discarding any tough stems. In a large kettle, combine the greens with 1 cup of cold water, bring to a boil, and cook until wilted, about 5 to 15 minutes. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid.
  2. In a heavy pot, heat the bacon fat or corn oil over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the roux reaches a peanut butter color, 15 to 20 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, and green pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  3. Stir in the reserved greens liquid and enough water to make 1-1/2 quarts total. Add the bay leaf, thyme, salt, black pepper, white pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil.
  4. Return the wilted greens to the pot along with the smoked ham and sausage. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Adjust seasonings to taste and serve over white rice.

Notes

Use a variety of fresh greens for the best flavor; the dish is flexible and forgiving with substitutions.