Meatless Mondays are a great way to lower your carbon and water footprint!

Growing up near New Orleans, gumbo was always my favorite home-cooked meal.  Time to try a new meatless version for Fat Tuesday tomorrow!

What you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 chopped green bell pepper
• 3 chopped stalks of celery
• 3 cups diced tomatoes
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups fresh or frozen green beans
• 3 sliced carrots (not baby carrots!)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen sliced okra
• Spices. I suggest:
  • 1 Tbs. ground cumin
  • 1 Tbs. paprika
  • 1 Tbs. dried oregano
  • 1/3 tsp. cayenne pepper

Now, let’s get started:

1. Stir together oil and flour in your biggest pot until smooth.  Cook over high heat until roux turns a dark caramel color (about 10 minutes), stirring constantly.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery until vegetables are softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in all remaining ingredients.  Add salt and pepper.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until carrots are tender (about 40 minutes).
5. Serve over rice and enjoy!

Let me know if y’all try this or what other meals I should try!