Gumbo Collard Greens with Shrimp Recipe: A Delicious Soul Food Classic

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival the rich, hearty flavors of gumbo. Combining vibrant spices, succulent seafood, and savory greens, gumbo is a staple in Southern kitchens and soul food culture. One of the most popular variations of this dish is Gumbo Collard Greens with Shrimp, a flavorful, filling recipe that highlights the beauty of collard greens while adding the perfect touch of shrimp for a delightful, soul-satisfying meal.

In this article, we’ll explore the Gumbo Greens Recipe, provide step-by-step instructions for making this dish, and share tips on how to customize it to suit your tastes. Whether you’re making this gumbo on a busy weekday in the Gumbo Crockpot or cooking it from scratch, this Collard Green Gumbo is sure to become a family favorite.

What is Gumbo Greens?

Gumbo Greens, or Greens Gumbo, is a unique fusion of two Southern comfort foods: gumbo and collard greens. The dish features tender, slow-cooked collard greens, which provide a smoky and earthy flavor, and pairs them with a flavorful gumbo base. The base consists of the Holy Trinity—onions, bell peppers, and celery—along with a rich roux, which is the foundation for many gumbo recipes.

While traditional gumbo typically uses okra or filé powder to thicken the broth, in this Greens Gumbo recipe, the greens themselves play a role in thickening the dish while contributing their own distinctive flavor. The addition of shrimp provides a nice seafood touch, making this gumbo a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for Gumbo Collard Greens with Shrimp

To make this mouthwatering Collard Greens Recipe Soul Food, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Gumbo Base:

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or butter (for the roux)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (green or red)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth (or seafood broth for a more intense flavor)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a little kick)
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Collard Greens:

• 1 bunch collard greens, washed, stems removed, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or more if needed for sautéing)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions for Making Gumbo Collard Greens with Shrimp

Step 1: Make the Roux

The first step in creating a rich and flavorful gumbo base is to make a roux, which thickens the soup and adds depth of flavor. To start:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the flour, stirring continuously to combine. The goal is to cook the flour until it turns a deep golden brown, which will take about 10-15 minutes. Be patient, as this step is essential for achieving the perfect roux. Stir constantly to avoid burning the flour.
3. Once the roux has reached the desired color, add the chopped onions, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. Stir frequently and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften.

Step 2: Build the Gumbo Base

Now that you have your roux and vegetables in place, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients that will create the gumbo’s signature flavor.

1. Add the garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken broth (or seafood broth if you’re using that for a stronger seafood flavor). Stir to combine, making sure the roux dissolves into the liquid.
3. Add the smoked paprika, thyme, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce (if using), and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Cook the Collard Greens

While the gumbo base is simmering, it’s time to cook the collard greens. These greens will add both texture and flavor to the gumbo.

1. In a separate large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Add the chopped collard greens to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the oil and seasonings. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens have softened but still maintain some texture. These greens will cook further when added to the gumbo base.

Step 4: Prepare the Shrimp

Now that your gumbo base and greens are ready, it’s time to add the shrimp. The shrimp will add a touch of seafood richness to the gumbo.

1. In a medium skillet, heat the remaining olive oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Add the shrimp, seasoning with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Combine Everything

With the gumbo base, collard greens, and shrimp prepared, it’s time to bring everything together.

1. Add the sautéed collard greens to the simmering gumbo base and stir well.
2. Let the gumbo simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the greens to soften further.
3. Gently stir in the cooked shrimp, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the gumbo. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve

Once the gumbo is fully cooked, it’s time to serve this flavorful dish. Ladle the Collard Greens Gumbo into bowls, ensuring that each serving gets a generous helping of shrimp and greens. Serve it with a side of cornbread, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the rich broth.

Tips for Perfect Gumbo Collard Greens with Shrimp

• Make It Ahead: Gumbo often tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together. You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat in this dish to suit your preferences. If you like a spicier gumbo, feel free to increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or hot sauce. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder version, you can reduce or omit these ingredients.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can skip the shrimp and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You may also want to add extra spices or smoked paprika to ensure the gumbo still has plenty of flavor.
• Gumbo Crockpot: If you’re short on time, you can make this recipe in a Gumbo Crockpot. Simply follow the steps for making the gumbo base and vegetables, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding the shrimp in the final 30 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Greens Recipe Soul Food

Gumbo Collard Greens with Shrimp is a soul-satisfying dish that brings together the best elements of gumbo and Southern greens. The rich broth, tender collard greens, and perfectly cooked shrimp combine to create a flavorful, hearty meal that will fill your home with the aromas of classic soul food. Whether you’re making it in a Gumbo Crockpot for convenience or preparing it from scratch, this Gumbo Soup Recipe is a winner every time.

Perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or a cozy weeknight dinner, Green Gumbo is a timeless Southern recipe that brings people together around the table. Give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness of this soulful dish!