Mexican Gumbo (Qdoba Style)

People who know me well, know that I love NYC. Over the years that I have stayed in the East Coast, it wouldn't be an overstatement if I said, I visited NYC at least twice an year.And every time I visit, the place gets me excited even more. I could walk down the streets & avenues without feeling monotonous.I don't believe I felt that with any other place that I visited.

My SIL and my brother got us into this Gumbo at Qdoba. PA does not have many locations within a decent driving distance and while I would like to call NYC my backyard with just an 1.5 hr drive, it wouldn't be practical for me to drive all the way every time I crave for the Gumbo:-(..So I have decided to make my own Gumbo of course to mimic the original 'masterpiece'.

Recipe:Internet

1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil or Olive Oil. I think Olive Oil workes best

2 Yellow Onions, chopped

3 Garlic Cloves, minced
2 tablespoons Cumin Powder

3 Banana Peppers , chopped
1 tsp Black Pepper POwder
32 Oz Vegetable Broth
16 oz water

1 Big Can of diced Tomatoes

1/4 cup Medium/Hot Salsa
1 cup cooked rice, preferably short grain
Lime Wedges
1 cup Black Beans, soaked overnight and cooked till tender;Alternately you can use the canned version but use it after draining all the liquid and washing the beans through the sieve
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
Sour Cream
Chopped Corainder
4-5 Tortilla Strips; If you cant find them in the store, cut the tortillas into strips and deep fry them.

• Heat the oil in a large nonstick pot
• Add the onions and cook till soft.
• Add the garlic and banana peppers and cook for a few min.
• Stir in the Cumin Powder and black pepper
• Add the Broth, water and diced tomatoes
• Simmer it for about 20 - 30 min.
• Stir in the Salsa and garnish with chopped coriander
  

To layer-

• Place a scoop of cooked rice,2 tbsps of black beans, a big ladle of the soup, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, a few lettuce leaves (optional).
• Serve with a scoop of sour cream and a lime wedge on the side with a few tortilla strip on top.
• Serve hot.

Hugs,