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Gumbo Recipe

This authentic gumbo recipe brings the heart of Louisiana to your kitchen with a flavorful dark roux, tender chicken, smoky sausage, juicy shrimp, and fresh okra. Rich, hearty, and comforting, it’s the ultimate Southern comfort food that tastes even better the next day.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Creole, Southern
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup vegetable oil for roux
  • 1 pound smoked sausage sliced into rounds
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, chopped
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup okra sliced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ pound raw shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups cooked white rice for serving
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions for garnish

Method
 

  1. Make the roux: In a large heavy-bottomed pot, whisk together flour and oil over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture turns a deep chocolate brown color, about 15–20 minutes.
  2. Cook the sausage and chicken: Add the sliced sausage and chicken pieces directly to the roux. Cook for 5–6 minutes until lightly browned.
  3. Add vegetables: Stir in diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes until softened and aromatic.
  4. Build the broth: Slowly pour in the chicken stock while stirring to combine. Add paprika, cayenne, thyme, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add okra and shrimp: Stir in the okra and shrimp, cooking for another 10 minutes until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked.
  6. Taste and adjust: Remove bay leaves, taste the gumbo, and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra cayenne.
  7. Serve: Spoon the gumbo into bowls, add a scoop of white rice in the center, and garnish with chopped parsley and green onions.