What To Serve With Gumbo

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Known as ki ngombo in the Central Bantu dialect of West Africa, here’s what to serve with Gumbo. Without sacrificing flavor, we’re sharing all the delicious side dishes to serve with this much Loved-Louisiana dish (okra meat stew). 

When you make gumbo once, you’ll find yourself adding it on constant rotation. 

Gumbo encompasses the delicious flavors of French and West African roots. 

GUMBO – BACKGROUND 

With strong ties between Haitian Food and Cuisine to West African culture, Gumbo is the Haitian Version of Okra Stew. And in several West African languages, the word for okra is ki ngombo, and in its shortened form, it is gombo. 

Known for its aromatic and soup-stew texture, gumbo is one of the most delicious recipes out there with its roots from Louisiana, American India, Africa, and Europe, which fills your mouth with the flavors.

From salads to cornbread, here’s our top dish and choices if you ever found yourself asking what to serve with gumbo. 

Rice

From cauliflower rice to sweet potato rice, and to white rice – like this Haitian White Rice recipe, rice has been the number one go to side dish to pair with gumbo. 

To venture out further, consider these rice recipes as well. 

Haitian Black Rice

You’ll love either the Instant Pot Haitian Black Rice (Diri Djon Djon) version or the stovetop version Recipe. Haitian Black Rice is fluffy, delicious, full of flavor, and the instant pot version cooks so much faster than over the stove or in a rice cooker.

Haitian black rice uses a particular mushroom that is found all over Haiti, particularly in the northern region of Haiti. 

The mushroom is known as a delicacy and is often served at weddings, holidays, Sunday dinners, or on special occasions. There are some discrepancies as to the type of rice that is considered part of the national dish.

Ghanaian Jollof Rice

Ghanaian Jollof Rice is a dish that’s cooked to perfection, and it is curated to bring you the brightly colored orange/red dish with the most tantalizing spices. 

Ghanaian Jollof Rice has the juiciest, richest, and spiciest meat to add some protein to the dish, if you choose to. Popular as a festive dish, it’s commonly served at parties and weddings. 

Haitian Rice and Beans

Red beans and rice is a popular dish in Haiti.  Traditionally prepared with Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base), and served throughout the year. The flavors in this Haitian red beans and rice is as bold as any flavors you will find in other Haitian recipes. 

This delicious and nourishing dish is an instant pot version. Thanks to pressure cookers, Haitian rice can be made in a matter of minutes!

Pigeon Peas And Rice

This recipe is super simple because it requires very few ingredients and the ones it does require mostly consist of items that have a long shelf life. 

Chances are you have half the ingredients in your pantry already!

Okra Rice

Okra Rice is a popular Caribbean side dish that blows plain old rice out of the water.

The flavors found in gumbo compliments any of the mentioned rice dishes. It’s no secrete taste is the number one factor when it come to this dish, when paired together, you are guaranteed to have an enjoyable experience. 

Cornbread

Why not continue the southern dish and need not to worry about what to serve with gumbo. Here are a couple of our favorite choices. 

Jalapeño Cornbread

Very much like gumbo, the next staple in southern or Cajun cuisine is cornbread. Our favorite cornbread to pair gumbo with is the Jalapeño cornbread. 

The Jalapeno cornbread is ultra-moist, delicious, and addictive. Sweet and with a very mild hint of spicy, soft on the inside, and buttery delicious. 

Instant Pot Cornbread

The best Instant Pot Cornbread from scratch! Cornbread is a staple in the South, and now you can make it in the instant pot to go alongside any hot bowl of soup. 

Potato Salad

Potato salad is always a good and perfect choice to serve as a side. No need to ponder on what to serve with gumbo with it comes to these potato salad choices. 

Southern Style Potato Salad

This classic Creamy Southern Style Potato Salad recipe is made uniquely by the addition of hard boiled eggs and the sharp sweetness of pickles, providing a moreish side dish that’s the perfect complement to BBQ meats, keto gumbo, smoky grilled chicken or steak.

Swedish Potato Salad

Venture off with this Swedish potato salad. Bright and creamy Swedish Potato Salad that will become a summertime staple for good reason.

Prepared with tender potatoes and leeks for a subtle crunch, and finishes off with a creamy dressing, this delicious side dish will become one you’re your favorite for potlucks, BBQs, and special occasions. 

Warm German Potato Salad

There’s a lot to love in this German Potato Salad recipe. With the use of warm flavors from ingredients like apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs, this dish will make you smile. This warm salad is sure to be a conversation starter and a party hit!

Haitian Potato Salad

Salad Russe is the Haitian version of Russian Salad. 

This colorful side dish has the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy textures, with freshly chopped vegetables bound together typically with a rich and smooth dressing (mayonnaise) mixture.

Corn 

With a sweet flavor and juicy texture, corn on the cob is not only a summertime staple, but it makes the perfect side dish to serve with gumbo and rice. 

They can be prepared grilled, boiled, or air fried. 

Instant Pot Corn On The Cob

Cooking frozen corn on the cob in the instant pot will help speed up your summer favorite meals. 

An easy instant pot sweet corn side dish that comes together quickly, making your weeknight and weekend meals a breeze!

Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn On The Cob

Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn On The Cob (Elotes) – Everyone’s favorite corn on the cob is further simplified with this easy air fryer recipe. It takes only 10 minutes. It is gluten-free!

Sweets & Desserts

Every good meal should finish with a good dessert. When it comes to Cajun meals, something sweet is always welcomed to balance the delicious bold spicy flavors. 

Listed below are a few of our choices when it comes to what to serve with gumbo. 

Haitian Beignets

If you’re a fan of traditional beignets, you’ll love these Haitian Beignets. Typically served during Carnival but they are as equally festive during the holiday season or special occasions.

Due to some key differences in recipes and preparation between the two styles, Authentic Haitian beignets have a different look and taste, but they’re just as delectable.

Vegan Beignets

You’ll fall in love with these vegan beignets. Traditional French beignets are the ultimate fried dessert. With a soft, pillowy texture and powdered sugar top, what’s not to love?

Pistachio Cookies

Buttery-soft and chewy, these pistachio cookies are not only easy to make, but they are ridiculously addictive; just how cookies should be.  

French Lemon Loaf Cake

This lemon loaf cake is nothing but perfection. 

Popular for the tangy flavor and fluffy texture, every bite of this French lemon loaf cake is moist and delivers a punch of fresh lemon flavor, while the lemon glazing will keep you hooked!

Mini Red Velvet Cake

Mini red velvet cake that’s made from scratch and incredibly soft, these mini cakes take the center stage at the dessert table.  

This dessert is wonderful all year long, but it’s especially perfect for the holiday season due to its beautiful red color. Let’s not forget Valentine’s Day!

Sides & Salads

A simple green salad will add a refreshing finishing touch to gumbo. If you are wondering what to serve with gumbo, consider these sides and salad choices listed below. 

Your salads and sides can be as elaborate as you’d like them. Here are a few of our recommendations. 

Air Fryer Cauliflower

This air fryer cauliflower recipe will leave you with crispy and crunchy cauliflower florets, but they require no oil. With just a few staple ingredients, they’re easy to make and delicious.

With its smooth and crispy texture, it is good appetizing for starting delicious meal!

Kale Salad

Kale Salad is packed with crunch and flavor. It is one of our favorites for a few reasons. 

Not only it is very simple to make, Kale salad serves elegantly well during special occasions and the holidays.  

Crispy, healthy, and delicious salad for your guests and family! 

Caesar Salad

This Caesar salad recipe is easy dish to recreate at home and is a classic recipe to have in your repertoire. 

The Caesar Salad is packed full of flavor and with an array of exciting textures.

Marinated Cucumber Tomato Salad

This easy marinated cucumber tomato salad recipe is our new favorite dish this summer! 

This cucumber and tomatoes salad is a quick and easy side dish that’s perfect for summer grilling and is loaded with fresh bold flavors. 

Air Fryer Asparagus

Top notch roasted air fryer asparagus that’s perfect as a side dish, for a weeknight meal but sits beautifully at the table to be served for a formal dinner party. 

Haitian Marinade

Don’t let the name Haitian Marinade fool you, this delicious Haitian recipe is not a sauce or seasoning but crispy, deep fried fritters (often with a juicy, savory filling).

This mouth-watering recipe is a staple at any Haitian’s first communion, but can be served on any day of the year as a crunchy snack or appetizer.

Fried Okra

Crispy Air Fryer Fried Okra recipe that’s easy to make and fried to a golden crispy texture. 

This air fryer fried okra is a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. One of the best okra recipes you would want to make.

Drinks

Apart from side dishes, drinks also play an important role in the success of your favorite gumbo dish. contribute to the success of your meal. 

Listed below is a few of our favorite drinks to serve with gumbo. 

Mango Lemonade

Mango Lemonade recipe offers a fresh spin on the much-loved Haitian lemonade drink, with an extra fruity hit and an even more tropical taste.

Refreshing, sweet and citrusy, lemonade is a classic summer cooler that brings you sunshine in every sip.

Haitian Grapefruit

With an irresistible pink hue and a refreshingly tart taste, Haitian grapefruit juice recipe is an easy way to add a ton of vitamins and minerals into your diet.

Whether as a pick-me-up first thing in the morning or to cool you down on a warm spring day, this juice is so simple to make and can be easily adapted to suit your tastes.

Haitian Lemonade

Jus De Citron – A trip to Haiti would be nice right now, but this refreshing Haitian Lemonade will put you in the Caribbean mood right in your own home. 

Haitian Lemonade is a delightful twist to our classic homemade lemonade recipes found here in the states. 

Infused with vanilla extract, this fragrant drink can be served elegantly at a dinner party, special occasion, and is perfect to enjoy on a warm day throughout summer or all year around.

After learning about the various dishes to serve with gumbo, expand your vocabulary with certain foods from our favorite letters from the alphabet. 

FOOD THAT STARTS WITH A

FOOD THAT STARTS WITH B

FOOD THAT STARTS WITH C

FOOD THAT STARTS WITH D

FOOD THAT STARTS WITH E

FOOD THAT STARTS WITH F

FOOD THAT STARTS WITH Y

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