Here’s a classic gumbo recipe inspired by Barb’s Southern-style cooking—rich, flavorful, and packed with Cajun goodness!
BARB’S GUMBO 🍛🔥
Ingredients:
For the Roux:
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
For the Gumbo:
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb chicken thighs, diced
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup okra, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions:
1️⃣ Make the Roux:
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 10-15 minutes until the mixture turns dark brown (like peanut butter or chocolate). Be careful not to burn it!
2️⃣ Cook the Sausage & Chicken:
Add sliced andouille sausage and chicken to the roux. Stir and cook until browned (5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ Sauté the Veggies:
In the same pot, add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
4️⃣ Build the Gumbo Base:
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, bay leaves, black pepper, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
5️⃣ Add the Okra & Simmer:
Add okra, return the sausage and chicken to the pot, and let the gumbo simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6️⃣ Add the Shrimp & Finish:
- Stir in shrimp and butter, cooking for another 5 minutes until shrimp is pink.
- Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning as needed.
7️⃣ Serve & Garnish:
Ladle gumbo over steamed white rice and top with green onions and parsley. Serve with hot sauce and crusty French bread on the side!
Tips & Variations:
✔ For a smoky kick, add smoked turkey or ham hocks.
✔ Thicker gumbo? Stir in file powder or let it simmer longer.
✔ Love spice? Add extra Cajun seasoning or cayenne!
#SouthernCooking #Gumbo #CajunFood