BARB’S GUMBO

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

Leave a Comment