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Authentic Cajun Gumbo

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A traditional Cajun recipe bursting with flavors of spices, smoked sausage, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a soulful family meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 pound chicken thighs, diced
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups okra, sliced
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Chopped green onions and parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Create the Roux: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour, cooking and stirring constantly until the mixture turns a dark brown color, achieving a rich, nutty aroma—that’s your roux!
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the roux. Sauté the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the flavors meld beautifully together.
  3. Brown the Meats: Stir in the smoked sausage and diced chicken thighs. Allow them to cook for about 5 minutes, browning the meats just enough to enhance their flavors.
  4. Add the Broth & Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth along with the sliced okra, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a hearty boil before reducing the heat to let it simmer for about 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen.
  5. Finish with Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp in the last 10 minutes of cooking, allowing them to become tender and soak up the vibrant flavors of the gumbo.
  6. Serve with Style: Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Serve the gumbo steaming hot over a mound of fluffy cooked rice, and garnish with freshly chopped green onions and parsley for that pop of color.

Notes

For serving, consider pairing it with crusty French bread or a light salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; flavors deepen the next day.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://doughgirlbylea.com/authentic-cajun-gumbo-recipe/

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