Gumbo Z'herbes with Red Beans
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup bread flour
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 1 large green pepper, chopped
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 7 quarts water
- 1 bunch carrot tops, coarse stems discarded and leaves washed and drained (about 5 cups packed)
- 5 bunches assorted greens such as beet greens, Swiss chard, kale, collards, mustard greens, turnip greens, and/or spinach, coarse stems discarded and remainder washed and drained
- 1 pound dried red kidney beans (about 2 1/2 cups), picked over
- 6 large garlic cloves
- Accompaniment:Cajun-style White Rice
- In a heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron) cook oil and flour over moderately low heat, stirring constantly with a flat-edged metal or wooden spatula, until roux is the dark reddish-brown color of chestnut shells, about 45 minutes.
- (Alternatively, make Microwave Brown Roux and transfer to skillet.)
- Roux may be made 1 week ahead, cooled completely, and chilled, covered, in a glass or stainless-steel bowl.
- Reheat roux in skillet over moderately low heat, stirring, before proceeding.
- Stir in onions, bell pepper, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened.
- In a 10- to 12-quart heavy kettle bring 4 quarts water to a boil and add carrot tops and assorted greens.
- Simmer greens, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 15 minutes.
- Transfer greens with tongs to a large shallow baking dish, letting excess cooking liquid drip into kettle and reserving all cooking liquid.
- Cool greens until they can be handles and chop coarse.
- Stir beans and remaining 3 quarts water into reserved cooking liquid and simmer beans, covered partially, until tender, about 1 hour.
- (Older beans may take longer to cook.)
- Add roux mixture by large spoonfuls, stirring well after each addition, and stir in greens, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer gumbo, partially covered, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes.
- Gumbo may be made 2 days ahead, cooled completely, uncovered, and chilled, covered.
- Serve gumbo ladled over rice in large soup plates.
vegetable oil, bread flour, onions, green pepper, celery, water, carrot, swiss chard, beans, garlic, accompaniment
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/gumbo-zherbes-with-red-beans-14272 (may not work)