Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Liquid Assets - Gumbo


By the way, have I mentioned gumbo? This cold and wet January weather is perfect for warm delicious liquid meals like gumbo. We have plenty of it here on the island but my favorite is among the least expensive. Plenty of prestigious local restaurants boast about their gumbo. I have tried them all and for such a simple thing, many places don’t get it right. They add tomatoes or too many herbs or the roux is under developed or sometimes the roux is overcooked. I think these places are trying to be too fancy. Stick to the basics for the best results. There is this little hole-in-the-wall place named Leo’s on Broadway that serves up the best pint of gumbo I know of for the ridiculously low price of $3.50. Seriously! The secret (like the secret to all good gumbo) is the roux. It has got to be dark and rich, but not burned tasting. Don’t distract from the roux with unnecessary ingredients. This guy knows what he’s doing. He’s a real Cajun. They also have their own blend of smoked sausage, boudain, and beef jerky. If you are ever in Galveston, try this place out on your way through town. Their red beans and rice is also quite good but that is another post.

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