Authentic Louisiana Gumbo
This Authentic Louisiana Gumbo is rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful, built on a dark, velvety roux, smoky sausage, tender chicken, and aromatic Cajun spices. Thickened naturally with okra and finished with earthy gumbo filé, this classic Southern stew brings tradition, bold flavor, and comfort together in every spoonful. Serve over white rice for the full Louisiana experience.
Equipment
- Heavy pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife & cutting board
- Ladle
- Heat-resistant spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup fat butter, vegetable oil, or animal fat
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 –3 celery stalks chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 lb smoky sausage sliced
- 1 lb chicken pieces thighs or breasts, cubed
Optional: seafood
- shrimp, crabmeat, oysters for seafood gumbo
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne more to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1 -2 cups sliced okra optional but traditional
- Gumbo filé powder 1–2 teaspoons
- White rice for serving
- Green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat fat in a heavy pot. Add flour gradually, stirring constantly. Cook 15-20 minutes until the roux turns deep brown (like chocolate). Do not stop stirring.
- Stir in chopped onions, celery, and green bell pepper. Cook 5 minutes until softened.
- Add sliced sausage and chicken. Brown lightly in the roux-vegetable mixture.
- Pour in chicken stock while stirring to dissolve the roux. Add paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes so flavors deepen and gumbo thickens.
- If using seafood, stir in shrimp or crab plus sliced okra. Cook 8-10 minutes until seafood is done.
- Sprinkle filé powder over the gumbo. Stir and cook 5 more minutes for flavor and thickening.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve gumbo over white rice. Garnish with parsley or green onions.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Sugar: 4g
