Lunch: Chicken and Okra Gumbo Recipe

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Basil

Health benefits of Chicken and Okra Gumbo Recipe

Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

1 broiler/fryer chicken (2-1/2 to 3 pounds), cut up
2 quarts water
1/4 cup canola oil or bacon drippings
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 medium onions, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) tomatoes, drained
2 cups fresh or frozen sliced okra
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 to 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Minced fresh parsley
Hot cooked rice

Instructions

Place chicken and water in a large kettle. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30-45 minutes or until chicken is tender.
Remove chicken; reserve broth. Set chicken aside until cool enough to handle. Remove chicken from bones; discard bones and cut into meat into cubes; set aside.
In a soup kettle, combine oil or drippings and flour until smooth. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium. Cook and stir about 5 minutes more or until mixture is reddish-brown (the color of a penny). Turn the heat to high. Stir in 2 cups reserved broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
Add the onions, celery, green pepper and garlic; cook and stir for 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, okra, bay leaves, basil, salt, pepper and pepper sauce. Cover and simmer for 1 hour. Add chicken; heat through.
Discard bay leaves. Garnish with green onions and parsley. Serve with rice.