Louisiana Hearty Cajun Gumbo (Print Version)
Soulful Cajun stew with meat, seafood, and vegetables in a deep chocolate roux – the ultimate Southern comfort food.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1/2 cup vegetable oil
02 -
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
03 -
1 green bell pepper, diced
04 -
1 onion, diced
05 -
2 celery stalks, diced
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
6 cups chicken broth
08 -
1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
09 -
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
10 -
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
11 -
2 tsp Creole seasoning
12 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
13 -
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
14 -
2 bay leaves
15 -
1 tsp dried thyme
16 -
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional for seafood gumbo)
17 -
1 cup okra, sliced (optional)
18 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
19 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
20 -
Cooked white rice, for serving
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook the roux, stirring constantly, for 20–30 minutes, until it turns a deep chocolate brown color. Be patient — don't rush or stop stirring.
02 -
Add the diced bell pepper, onion, celery, and garlic to the roux. Cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables soften. Slowly stir in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add sausage, chicken, tomatoes (if using), Creole seasoning, paprika, cayenne, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 45–50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
03 -
Add shrimp and okra during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Simmer just until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
04 -
Spoon gumbo over a mound of white rice. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Gumbo tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
02 -
For a thicker gumbo, use more okra or add a spoonful of file powder at the end.
03 -
For an all-seafood gumbo, replace chicken and sausage with crab, crawfish, and more shrimp.