Gumbo Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This gumbo recipe is packed with flavor and easy to make, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests. You’ll love how it brings everyone together with its rich, comforting taste.

• Bold flavors: The mix of spices, sausage, and veggies creates a delicious depth that keeps you coming back for more.
• Simple steps: Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe breaks it down so you can nail it the first time.
• Versatile dish: Serve it over rice, with crusty bread, or enjoy it on its own—it’s always a hit.

Recipe

Gumbo is a flavorful and hearty dish that originated in Louisiana, blending French, African, and Spanish culinary traditions. This rich stew features a dark roux, the “holy trinity” of vegetables, and a mix of proteins like sausage, chicken, or seafood, all simmered to perfection.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, until dark brown (about 20-25 minutes).
2. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened (5-7 minutes).
3. Stir in sausage and chicken, cooking until browned (5 minutes).
4. Pour in chicken broth, tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
5. Add shrimp (if using) and cook for 5 more minutes until pink.
6. Remove bay leaves, stir in parsley, and serve over rice.

Notes:

• For a thicker gumbo, simmer longer. For a thinner consistency, add more broth.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to control spiciness.
• Gumbo tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Time:

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

Nutrition

The nutritional content of gumbo can vary based on ingredients, but here are the general values:

What To Serve With It

When you’re serving up a hearty bowl of gumbo, you’ll want sides that complement its rich flavors without stealing the spotlight.

I always go for fluffy white rice—it’s perfect for soaking up that delicious broth. Cornbread’s another favorite, adding a sweet, crumbly contrast.

A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the meal, while steamed okra or sautéed greens keep it Southern-inspired.

If I’m feeling fancy, garlic bread or hushpuppies make great additions. Don’t forget a cold drink—iced tea or lemonade works wonders.

These sides keep things satisfying without overshadowing the star of the table—your gumbo!