Description
Gumbo is a hearty and flavorful stew that captures the essence of Louisiana cuisine. This comforting dish combines succulent shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and spices in a rich broth served over rice, creating a satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. With its versatility, you can easily customize this recipe by swapping proteins or adding your favorite vegetables. The deep flavors develop beautifully as it simmers, making it an excellent option for meal prep—gumbo only gets better with time!
Ingredients
Scale
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ribs celery
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 10 cups beef broth
- 14 ounces chicken sausage
- 3 pounds medium shrimp
- 1 can stewed tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 4 teaspoons gumbo file powder
- 4 bay leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the roux by melting butter in a large pot and whisking in flour until smooth; cook until deep brown.
- Cool the roux slightly and then add finely chopped celery, onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until tender.
- Gradually whisk in warm beef broth and bring to a boil for about 15 minutes.
- Stir in sliced chicken sausage, canned tomatoes, hot sauce, sugar, seasonings, and bay leaves; simmer uncovered for 45 minutes.
- Add shrimp and Worcestershire sauce; cook for another 45 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve hot over cooked white rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken sausage with additional vegetables or beans. Experiment with different spices to find your perfect flavor balance.