Which ingredient should be sliced for chicken gumbo soup?

• A. Chicken
• B. Pepper
• C. Onion
• D. Okra

Answer: (D)

In chicken gumbo soup, okra is the ingredient that is typically sliced before being added to the dish. Okra serves both as a vegetable component and as a natural thickener for the soup, helping to create the characteristic texture that gumbo is known for. When sliced, the okra releases its mucilage, which thickens the broth and adds richness to the flavor profile. It is essential to prepare it in this way to ensure that it blends well with the other ingredients and enhances the overall dish.

While chicken, pepper, and onion are also key ingredients in gumbo, they may not be sliced in the same manner. Chicken is usually cut into chunks or left as whole pieces for cooking, while onion and pepper can be diced or chopped, but they do not particularly serve the same thickening role that sliced okra does in this specific recipe. Thus, slicing okra is vital for achieving the authentic texture and taste of chicken gumbo soup.