chicken & sausage cajun gumbo
Gumbo in our family is our "every day" soup. Matter of fact it is the only soup I recall having when I was growing up. Cajun gumbo contains okra; matter of fact okra is the definition of gumbo. It thickens the soup and adds some great flavor. My Cajun family makes gumbo for holidays and celebrations as well as for our families for dinner or lunch. It is always in season here; we don't wait for cold weather. We just turn down the air conditioner and enjoy it.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
Gumbo is iconic Southern comfort food. It has a deep flavor that's unlike any other soup. But, a traditional roux (the base of the dish) takes time. This version speeds up the process without losing any flavor. It makes putting the gumbo together much faster and easier. Filled with smoky sausage, chicken, okra, and tons of veggies, this Cajun gumbo is super hearty. Serve over a scoop of rice and with a piece of cornbread for a great bowl of gumbo.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vegetable cooking oil (or any cooking oil will do)
- 2 cups white all-purpose flour
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 bunches green onions, cut finely
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/8 cup parsley, chopped fine (I use dried if I don't have fresh on hand and it's good)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 1 pound smoked sausage
- 1 - chicken cut up with skin removed
- 3 cups okra, cleaned and sliced (optional, but recommended)
- 1/4 cup gumbo file'
- 1 tablespoon salt and pepper (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper (more if you want it real spicy)
How To Make chicken & sausage cajun gumbo
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Step 1To Make Roux: In a microwave-proof bowl combine cooking oil and flour to make a paste. Microwave for 5 minutes and stir. -
Step 2Do this 3 or 4 times until the mixture is the color of dark chocolate (do not burn or it will be bitter).
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Step 3Set aside while you are making the gumbo.
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Step 4In a large stockpot add onions, bell pepper, celery, garlic, and parsley.
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Step 5Stir in 1 gallon of water and bring to a boil.
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Step 6Stir in roux mixture until it is dissolved.
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Step 7Add tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, and red pepper.
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Step 8Drop in okra (optional), sausage, and chicken; bring to a boil.
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Step 9Simmer on medium until chicken is thoroughly cooked - about 40 minutes.
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Step 10Remove chicken from the pot; debone and shred the meat. Add back to the pot.
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Step 11When gumbo is cooked, turn off the burner. Add gumbo file'. This will add flavor and thicken the gumbo. Serve over cooked white rice.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
