Pulled Pork and Tasso Gumbo

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup chopped green onion
• 1 cup chopped poblano pepper
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup finely chopped jalapeno
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, 15-ounce
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 dried red chile peppers
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 10 ounces tasso ham,, chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 to 1 1/2 pounds pulled pork
• rice for serving
• Cilantro for garnish

Steps

1. 1

   To make a roux, whisk together oil and flour in a large heavy saucepan (cast iron is perfect, but any heavy-bottomed pot or pan will do) over medium to medium-low heat. Once combined, it is easier to use a wooden spoon to stir. Stir continuously for at least 20 minutes, until mixture turns a dark caramel color. It should darken very slowly. If it darkens too fast, turn down the heat. The roux will burn if the heat is too high or you don't stir continuously. Be sure to really stir all the way up to the edges of the pot. You don't want any of the mixture to stay in one spot for too long.

2. 2

   Add onions, peppers, celery, jalapeno, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Add tomatoes, broth, bay leaves, dried chili peppers, Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 25 minutes.

4. 4

   Meanwhile brown tasso ham in a pan using 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.

5. 5

   Add pulled pork and tasso ham and simmer 5 more minutes. Check for seasoning and add more salt if needed. Remove and discard bay leaves and dried chili peppers.

6. 6

   Serve gumbo in bowls with rice.