Deep South Dining

Nick Wallace is a name that rings all around the Mississippi culinary scene. From catering events in all corners of the state to working with kids in his Creativity Kitchen, Nick is all about good food and the power it brings move Mississippi forward. Today on Deep South Dining he talks with Malcolm and Carol about how his hometown of Edwards influences his approach in the kitchen and the new venture he is bringing to the Natchez area.

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• 1 ½ cup flour
• 1 ½ cup oil
• 2 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced green pepper
• 1 cup diced celery
• 3 Tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 ½ gallon pork or chicken stock
• 1 ½ pound okra sliced crosswise ½ inch wide and seared in lard until lightly browned
• 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas (cook in chicken stock with large pieces of mirepoix that can be removed after cooking)
• 2 cups bacon braised greens (collards or mustards cooked in bacon and onions with sugar, vinegar, hot sauce and salt and pepper
• 2-3 # Turkey Breast (raw weight) fully cooked and chopped
• 2 Tablespoons File
• 1 Tablespoon Thyme
• 1 Tablespoon Chile Powder
• 1 Tablespoon Paprika
• 1 Tablespoon White pepper
• 2 Tablespoon Black pepper
• 1 Tablespoon Cayenne pepper
• 3 Bay leaves

1.  Make a dark roux using the oil and flour
2. As soon roux is the right color (just past red and turning back to brown but not scorched or smelling really burnt) add the diced vegetables and garlic
3. Add the stock and stirring very frequently bring up to a simmer. Simmer for about 1hour stirring lots. 
4. Skim all of the fat that separates out. 
5. Taste the gumbo. It should not taste pasty and like the roux anymore. If it does you may need to add more stock up to a ½ gallon. This is different every time depending on the exact measurement of flour, strength of starch in the flour, degree of cooking of the roux among other things so add the stock in stages and let it cook and come together before adding more.
6.  When the gumbo is the right consistency add the okra, black-eyed peas, greens, pork, and seasoning. Allow to return to a simmer and adjust the seasoning. If not thick, add a blonde roux for thickness.
7. Serve with steamed rice