That gumbo, oh boy, it sure is somethin’ else. My grandbaby, he loves it when I make it. I always say, you gotta have somethin’ on the side, right? Can’t just have a bowl of that thick soup, no matter how good it is. Need somethin’ to go with it, you know? So here are my thoughts.
Rice, oh yeah, that’s a good one. Just plain white rice. Cook it up, nice and fluffy. Spoon that gumbo right over the top. My momma always did it that way. Easy peasy, fills you right up. And it soaks up all that yummy gumbo juice. Make sure you cook enough rice!
Then there’s that cornbread. Now, some folks like it sweet, some like it plain. Me, I like it just a little bit sweet. Crumbles real good into the gumbo. Gives it a nice little texture, you know? My old man, he loved cornbread with his gumbo. Said it reminded him of his momma’s cookin’. Gumbo and cornbread are best friends.
- Rice
- Cornbread
- Potato Salad
Now, if you want somethin’ a little different, there’s always potato salad. Cold and creamy, goes good with the hot gumbo. I like to put lots of eggs and pickles in mine. Some folks put mustard in it, but I don’t care for that too much. Potato salad is a good choice if you are making a big pot of gumbo for a crowd. It is easy to make, and everybody loves potato salad.
And you know, some folks like them saltine crackers. Just crumble ’em up right in the bowl. Gives it a little crunch. My grandkids like to do that. They make a big mess, but they sure do have fun. Keeps ’em quiet for a little while, too. Crackers are good for dipping into gumbo, or you can just throw them in.
Oh, and French bread! That crusty bread, all warm and toasty. Tear off a piece and dip it right in. Soaks up all that goodness. You can find it at the grocery store, usually. Just make sure it’s fresh. Nobody likes stale bread, especially with gumbo. French bread is the best bread.
Sometimes, I like to make green beans. Just cook ’em up with a little bacon. Simple and tasty. Adds a little somethin’ green to the plate. Gotta have your vegetables, you know? Even if it’s just a little bit. My daughter, she’s always tellin’ me to eat more vegetables. Green beans taste best with bacon, just like my daddy says.
And then there is sweet potatoes. Now, I know some folks don’t think sweet potatoes go with gumbo. But I like ’em. I bake ’em in the oven till they’re all soft and gooey. Sometimes I put a little butter and brown sugar on ’em. The sweetness is a nice change from the spicy gumbo. Sweet potatoes are very good for your health, but they are also so yummy!
You can also make a little salad. Just some lettuce and tomatoes. Maybe a little cucumber if you got it. Keeps things light. Gumbo can be pretty heavy, you know? A little salad helps balance it out. You can add any vegetables you like to your salad. It is a good way to use up leftover vegetables.
- French Bread
- Saltine Crackers
- Green beans
- Sweet Potatoes
Fried okra is another good one. If you can get your hands on some fresh okra, that’s the best. Just slice it up, dip it in some cornmeal, and fry it till it’s golden brown. Crispy and delicious. Reminds me of summer. Okra can be hard to find sometimes, but it is worth it if you can find it.
Now, my neighbor, she makes these things called crab cakes. I don’t really care for ’em myself, but she swears they’re good with gumbo. Says it’s fancy. I guess if you like that sort of thing, you could try it. They are too much work for me, but she says they are worth it. I think she likes to show off!
Don’t forget the hot sauce! Gotta have a little kick, you know? I like to put a few dashes in my bowl. Makes it even better. Some folks like it really spicy, but I just like a little heat. Hot sauce is good on just about anything, I think. Especially gumbo. It is like salt and pepper, you just need it.
So there you have it. Just a few ideas for what to serve with your gumbo. Nothin’ fancy, just good old-fashioned home cookin’. Hope you enjoy it! The best side dish is the one you like the most, so just pick your favorite. And don’t forget to share with your family. That’s what food is all about.
