National Gumbo Day

Stirring Up Joy on National Gumbo Day with Good Thyme Gal 🍲✨...

October 12th is National Gumbo Day, and what better way to celebrate than with a big pot of soul-warming flavor? Gumbo is more than just a meal, it’s a story in a bowl, a fusion of cultures, and a symbol of togetherness that speaks straight to the heart.

At Good Thyme Gal, we believe in recipes that bring people together, dishes that are equitable, affordable, and joyful. Gumbo captures that spirit perfectly. It’s a dish that started as humble home cooking and has evolved into a culinary celebration that honors history, culture, and community.

Why We Celebrate National Gumbo Day

National Gumbo Day is a delicious opportunity to pay homage to Louisiana’s iconic Creole and Cajun dish, one that blends African, French, Spanish, and Native American influences into something uniquely American.

The beauty of gumbo lies in its versatility. Whether you’re using chicken, sausage, seafood, or going all veggie, gumbo has always been about making the most of what’s available and stretching ingredients to feed a crowd.

That’s why this day is so important, it reminds us that good food doesn’t have to be fancy to be meaningful. It just needs to be made with love, shared with others, and seasoned with a little soul.

How National Gumbo Day Aligns with Good Thyme Gal

At Good Thyme Gal, we’re all about celebrating food that’s rooted in tradition and accessibility. Gumbo aligns beautifully with our mission because:

• It’s equitable: Gumbo was born from resourcefulness,using simple, affordable ingredients to create something extraordinary.

• It’s communal: Gumbo isn’t just cooked; it’s shared. It brings families, friends, and neighbors to the same table.

• It’s flavorful and flexible: Just like our Good Thyme Gal recipes, gumbo welcomes customization. Use what you have, spice it how you like, and make it your own.

This dish reminds us that when food is made with intention and care, it transcends cost or complexity. That’s the heart of Good Thyme Gal: nourishing bodies, lifting spirits, and honoring culture through accessible, joyful recipes.

Equitable Recipe: Simple Chicken & Sausage Gumbo

This equitable gumbo recipe keeps things budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor. Using accessible ingredients and pantry staples, you can create a pot of Southern comfort that feeds a family and fills your home with the most irresistible aroma.

📝 Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 (12 oz) package smoked sausage, sliced

• 1 pound chicken thighs, cubed (or leftover rotisserie chicken)

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 cup frozen okra (optional)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 cups cooked rice

• Green onions, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Cooking Directions:

1. Make the roux: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a deep golden brown (about 10 minutes).

2. Add the veggies: Stir in the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.

3. Add meats & spices: Stir in sausage and chicken, then add paprika, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook together for a few minutes to build flavor.

4. Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes.

5. Finish it off: Add okra if using, and cook for another 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.

6. Serve: Spoon over rice and top with chopped green onions. Enjoy with cornbread or a side salad.

Why This Gumbo Recipe Works

• Equitable: Uses affordable proteins and pantry ingredients.

• Flexible: You can swap the meat for beans or veggies to make it plant-based.

• Flavor-packed: The roux and seasoning create a rich, layered flavor with simple ingredients.

• Community-minded: This recipe makes enough to share, a perfect reflection of Good Thyme Gal’s values.

Stirring the Pot Together At Good Thyme Gal

National Gumbo Day is a reminder that great food tells a story. It connects us to our roots, our communities, and our creativity.

At Good Thyme Gal, we celebrate recipes like gumbo because they embody everything we stand for; equity, flavor, and joy. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday supper or celebrating October 12th in true Southern style, this dish is a delicious way to honor tradition and togetherness.

So grab your favorite spoon, stir the pot with love, and let every bite remind you that food is always better when it’s shared.