Melmont Gumbo from 1835

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs chicken, cut into serving portions
• 1 cup lima beans, cooked (canned is fine)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 6 quarts water
• 1 1/2 lbs okra, sliced
• 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup corn
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 6 medium tomatoes (canned is fine)
• 1/4 cup rice, uncooked

Directions

1. 1

   Simmer chicken in water with lima beans and seasonings.

2. 2

   Fry okra, onion and corn in butter until light brown; add tomatoes.

3. 3

   About a half hour before chicken is done, add all remaining ingredients and cook until tender.