Vegetarian gumbo

Recipes hop all over the internet, and now this one is no exception. Originally created by Paula Deen, then adapted by Chocolate Chip Trips, it is now mine to play with. All that I subbed was margarine for the butter, to make it dairy-free. And I had NO idea that Worcestershire sauce was not vegetarian! You learn something new everyday – read the label and see for yourself. This homemade version is delish.

Vegetarian gumbo

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons margarine

1/2 cup flour

2 tablespoons margarine

1 large onion, chopped

8 cloves garlic, minced

2 green bell peppers, seeded and chopped

3 stalks celery, chopped

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian recipe below)

1/4 bunch flat leaf parsley, stems and leaves, coarsely chopped, plus chopped leaves for garnish

4 cups hot water

4 vegetable bouillon cubes

1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes with juice

2 cups fresh or frozen sliced okra

1/2 pound tofu, well drained and diced into small cubes

Heat the olive oil in a heavy bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in the flour and mix in well. Add the 2 tablespoons of margarine and cook, stirring constantly until brown, about 10 minutes. Let the roux cool.

Return the pot to low heat and melt the remaining margarine. Add the onions, garlic, green pepper, and celery; cook for 10 minutes.

Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to taste, and the 1/4 bunch parsley. Cook, while stirring frequently, for 10 minutes.

Add 4 cups hot water and the bouillon cubes, whisking constantly. Add the tofu. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes.

Add the tomatoes and okra. cover and simmer for 1 hour. Sprinkle with remaining chopped parsely and serve. Makes 10 servings.

Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (makes 1/4 cup)

1 1/2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon blackstrap molasses or tamarind paste

1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne powder

a pinch of onion powder

1 pinch of powdered cloves

Stir all ingredients together.

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