Gumbo Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This gumbo recipe is a cozy, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion, blending rich traditions and bold tastes. You’ll love how easy it is to make, even if you’re new to cooking, and the way it fills your kitchen with amazing smells. First, the depth of flavors from the roux, spices, and fresh ingredients will keep you coming back for more. Second, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. Finally, it’s super versatile, so you can customize it with your favorite proteins or veggies to make it your own.

Recipe

Gumbo is a hearty and flavorful stew that originated in Louisiana, blending Creole and Cajun influences. This dish features a rich, dark roux, tender meat, and a mix of vegetables, all simmered to perfection. It’s traditionally served over rice for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 pound chicken thighs, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously to make a dark brown roux (about 15-20 minutes).
2. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in sausage and chicken, cooking until browned.
4. Pour in chicken broth, tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Add shrimp, green onions, and parsley. Cook until shrimp are pink, about 5 minutes.
6. Remove bay leaf and serve hot over rice.

Notes:

• For extra depth, use smoked sausage or add okra.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for more or less heat.

Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6-8

Nutrition

This gumbo recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

What To Serve With It

I love serving my gumbo with fluffy white rice or crusty French bread—they soak up all that rich flavor so well. For something fresh, a simple green salad or steamed veggies balance the dish perfectly. Don’t forget a cold glass of sweet tea or a crisp beer to wash it all down!

Side Dishes

Pairing the right side dishes with gumbo can really take your meal to the next level. I love balancing its spicy flavors with fluffy white rice, which soaks up the rich broth perfectly. For a true Southern cuisine vibe, add buttery cornbread or crispy hushpuppies. A simple green salad cuts through the heat, while pickled okra adds a tangy crunch. Trust me, these combos never disappoint!

Beverage Pairings

Nothing complements a hearty bowl of gumbo quite like the right drink to balance its bold flavors. I love pairing it with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, or a light red, such as Pinot Noir. For cocktail suggestions, try a zesty margarita or a classic Sazerac—they cut through the richness perfectly. A cold beer works, too, if you’re keeping it simple!