Description
This Authentic Louisiana Gumbo recipe captures the rich, bold flavors of traditional Cajun cuisine. Featuring Andouille sausage, fresh vegetables, and a deeply browned roux, this hearty stew simmers to perfection in just over an hour. Perfect for a comforting meal that serves six, this gumbo brings together a classic blend of spices and textures that will delight any fan of Southern cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Seasonings
- 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Vegetables
- 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), chopped
- 1 cup okra, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Others
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (approx. 14.5 oz)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onions, bell peppers, celery, and slice the Andouille sausage into rounds to have all components ready for cooking.
- Make the Roux: In a large pot, combine the vegetable oil and flour over medium heat. Stir continuously for 15-20 minutes until the roux develops a dark brown color, which forms the base flavor of the gumbo.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery to the roux. Cook and stir for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and meld with the roux.
- Add Sausage and Seasonings: Incorporate the sliced Andouille sausage, minced garlic, and Cajun seasoning. Cook together for an additional 5 minutes to release flavors and brown the sausage slightly.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 30 minutes to develop depth of flavor.
- Add Okra: Stir in the sliced okra during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Continue to stir occasionally until the okra is tender and the gumbo has thickened to desired consistency.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent the roux from burning while stirring.
- The roux’s color is critical—aim for a dark brown but not burnt; this adds a rich, nutty flavor to the gumbo.
- Okra helps naturally thicken the gumbo and adds classic texture; if unavailable, a small amount of file powder can be used as a thickener.
- Serve gumbo over steamed white rice for a complete traditional meal.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld further.