Easy Gumbo

Every time I whip up this Easy Gumbo recipe, it brings back memories of cozy gatherings with family. I remember the first time I tasted gumbo during a family reunion in Louisiana, where the flavors were bold, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. As the delicious aromas filled the kitchen, I couldn’t wait to share this dish with my loved ones. It’s a delightful blend of spices, vibrant vegetables, and hearty protein that warms you from the inside out. Each spoonful tells a story, and I love how versatile it is, allowing room for creativity while keeping true to its roots. This Easy Gumbo is my go-to when I want to impress guests or simply celebrate family traditions. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Recipe Ingredients for Easy Gumbo

When it comes to crafting the perfect Easy Gumbo, the choice of ingredients is essential. Each component plays a vital role in creating the rich, comforting flavors that define this dish. From the hearty proteins to the aromatic vegetables, you’ll find that they work together harmoniously to create a satisfying meal. Here are the key players in this delightful recipe:

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil – This oil is the base for sautéing and adds a nice richness to the gumbo.
• 1 to 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs – Tender and juicy, these pieces of chicken are perfect for soaking up flavors.
• ¾ cup salted butter – The butter brings a creamy texture and enhances the taste of the roux.
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour – This is key for making a roux, which thickens the gumbo beautifully.
• 3 celery stalks – Diced, they add a lovely crunch and flavor.
• 1 yellow onion – Diced, this onion contributes sweetness and depth.
• 1 green bell pepper – Adds color and a fresh taste to the mix.
• 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning – This spice mix is what makes gumbo exciting and flavorful.
• 2 teaspoons garlic salt – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 5 cups low sodium chicken broth – The base of the gumbo, providing moisture and flavor.
• 12 ounces andouille sausage – This smoky sausage elevates the dish with its robust flavor.
• 1 pound raw large shrimp – These succulent shrimp add a sweet and tender element.
• 2 green onions – Sliced thinly for garnish, they add a fresh touch.

Cooking Instructions for Easy Gumbo

Time to bring your Easy Gumbo to life! This cooking process is just as important as the ingredients, as it allows all those beautiful flavors to meld together. Follow these steps closely for a rich, authentic gumbo that will surely impress.

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke. This means it’s hot enough to start cooking your chicken.

2. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces, cooking until they’re no longer pink, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove them from the pan and set aside, allowing the flavors to enhance the gumbo later.

3. Next, drop in the salted butter and let it melt, swirling it in the pan. Then, whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. This step is crucial, so keep stirring!

4. Lower the heat to medium or medium-low. Cook the roux, stirring frequently for 30 minutes to one hour, until it reaches a dark chocolate brown color. This deep color adds a rich flavor to your Easy Gumbo.

5. Once your roux is dark enough, stir in the celery, yellow onion, and green bell pepper. Sauté these veggies until they’re nearly fork-tender, about 5 minutes. The aroma will be heavenly!

6. Season the mixture with the Cajun seasoning and garlic salt, stirring well to combine. Allow the flavors to meld for a few moments.

7. Gradually add in the low sodium chicken broth, one cup at a time, while stirring constantly. Make sure the sauce thickens before adding more; this ensures a rich texture.

8. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, uncovered. If the sauce is still a bit thin, let it cook for 5 to 10 more minutes until it thickens slightly.

9. Once thickened, return the cooked chicken and add the andouille sausage back into the pot, allowing it to simmer together.

10. Finally, add in the raw large shrimp. Cook until the shrimp curl and turn opaque, about 5 minutes. This adds a delightful seafood element to your Easy Gumbo.

11. Plate your gumbo warm, and if desired, serve it over rice with a sprinkle of green onions on top as an optional garnish. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Tips and Tricks about Easy Gumbo

Here are some handy tips and tricks to ensure your Easy Gumbo turns out perfectly:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, package portions in freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 6 months.
• Reheating: When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop for even warming.
• Pairing: Serve your gumbo with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Serving Style: This dish is perfect for casual gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner.

Side Dish Ideas for Easy Gumbo

Serving Easy Gumbo is just as important as the dish itself. Here are some fantastic ideas to accompany your hearty meal:

• Steamed Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the delicious gumbo sauce.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad balances the richness of the gumbo.
• Fried Plantains: Their sweetness complements the savory flavors of the gumbo.
• Southern Coleslaw: Adds crunch and a refreshing taste to the meal.
• Cornbread: A traditional Southern side that goes hand in hand with gumbo.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables can enhance your plate.

FAQ

Conclusion

Ultimately, Easy Gumbo embodies comfort and tradition, making it a special dish loved by many. With the rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll want to try again and again. I hope you’re inspired to make it tonight and experience the warm, inviting flavors that come from this classic dish. Happy cooking!

Easy Gumbo

The ultimate comfort food, this Easy Gumbo is packed with robust flavors and hearty ingredients. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Make this delicious recipe tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
• 1 to 1½ pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Cut into 1-inch pieces
• ¾ cup Salted Butter
• ¾ cup All-Purpose Flour
• 3 Celery Stalks Diced
• 1 Yellow Onion Diced
• 1 Green Bell Pepper De-seeded and diced
• 1½ tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
• 2 teaspoons Garlic Salt
• 5 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
• 12 ounces Andouille Sausage Sliced
• 1 pound Raw Large Shrimp Peeled, deveined, tail off (~ 16-20 shrimp)
• 2 Green Onions Thinly sliced, optional garnish

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Peeler
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke. This means it’s hot enough to start cooking your chicken.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces, cooking until they’re no longer pink, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove them from the pan and set aside, allowing the flavors to enhance the gumbo later.
3. Next, drop in the salted butter and let it melt, swirling it in the pan. Then, whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. This step is crucial, so keep stirring!
4. Lower the heat to medium or medium-low. Cook the roux, stirring frequently for 30 minutes to one hour, until it reaches a dark chocolate brown color. This deep color adds a rich flavor to your Easy Gumbo.
5. Once your roux is dark enough, stir in the celery, yellow onion, and green bell pepper. Sauté these veggies until they’re nearly fork-tender, about 5 minutes. The aroma will be heavenly!
6. Season the mixture with the Cajun seasoning and garlic salt, stirring well to combine. Allow the flavors to meld for a few moments.
7. Gradually add in the low sodium chicken broth, one cup at a time, while stirring constantly. Make sure the sauce thickens before adding more; this ensures a rich texture.
8. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, uncovered. If the sauce is still a bit thin, let it cook for 5 to 10 more minutes until it thickens slightly.
9. Once thickened, return the cooked chicken and add the andouille sausage back into the pot, allowing it to simmer together.
10. Finally, add in the raw large shrimp. Cook until the shrimp curl and turn opaque, about 5 minutes. This adds a delightful seafood element to your Easy Gumbo.
11. Plate your gumbo warm, and if desired, serve it over rice with a sprinkle of green onions on top as an optional garnish. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, package portions in freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 6 months.
• Reheating: When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop for even warming.
• Pairing: Serve your gumbo with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Serving Style: This dish is perfect for casual gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner.

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Meet Stella Ross

I’m Stella, and I believe that even a busy Tuesday night deserves a special meal. I love taking simple pantry ingredients and turning them into something that feels like a hug in a bowl. I hope this recipe brings a little bit of coziness to your kitchen today!"