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Authentic Cajun Gumbo

A rich and flavorful Cajun gumbo made with a dark roux, chicken, andouille sausage, okra, and the holy trinity of onions, celery, and bell peppers, served over rice.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pound whole chicken
  • 1 gallon water
  • 2 large peeled small diced yellow onions
  • 1 ½ pounds andouille sausage cut into ¼” thick slices
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil + 3 tablespoons
  • 4 ribs small diced celery
  • 1 seeded and small diced red bell pepper
  • 1 seeded and small diced green bell pepper
  • 5 finely minced cloves of garlic
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasonings
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1-pound thick cut sliced fresh or frozen okra
  • cooked long grain rice for serving
  • gumbo file for garnish
  • sea salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place the whole chicken in a large pot with 1 gallon of water and bring to a simmer. Cook until the chicken is tender, then remove the chicken, shred the meat, and reserve the stock.
  2. In a large pot over medium heat, add ¾ cup vegetable oil and 1 cup flour. Slowly sprinkle in the flour while whisking until combined. Frequently whisk the roux until it reaches a dark penny color, about 30 minutes.
  3. In a separate pan, sauté 3 tablespoons vegetable oil with the diced onions, celery, red and green bell peppers, and garlic until softened. Add the cooked vegetables to the roux along with Cajun seasonings.
  4. Pour in the reserved chicken stock, add the shredded chicken, sliced andouille sausage, bay leaves, and sliced okra. Simmer for 45-60 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over cooked rice with a sprinkle of gumbo file.

Notes

Stir the roux constantly to prevent burning for the best flavor. Add shrimp in the last 5 minutes if desired, but do not overcook. Gumbo tastes even better the next day.

  • Author: Olivia Bennett
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Method: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg