Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Instructions

1. 1

   Brown the Meats (15 minutes)

   • Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
   • Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until well-browned and the fat has rendered, about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
   • Season the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the same pot, sear the chicken in a single layer until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
2. 2

   Make the Dark Roux (30-40 minutes)

   • Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the vegetable oil into the pot and whisk in the flour until a smooth paste forms.
   • Cook, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom of the pot with a flat-edged wooden spoon or heatproof spatula. This step requires patience and constant attention.
   • Continue stirring until the roux darkens to the color of milk chocolate, then dark chocolate, about 30-40 minutes. It should have a nutty aroma. Be vigilant; if you see black specks, it's burnt and you must start over.
3. 3

   Sauté the Holy Trinity (10 minutes)

   • Once the roux is the desired color, immediately add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery (the 'holy trinity'). This will stop the roux from cooking further and cool it down.
   • Stir continuously until the vegetables are well-coated. Cook until they soften and the onions become translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
4. 4

   Build the Gumbo Base (5 minutes)

   • Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
   • Gradually pour in the chicken broth, about one cup at a time, whisking constantly after each addition to ensure the roux dissolves smoothly into the liquid without lumps.
   • Once all the broth is incorporated, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. 5

   Simmer the Gumbo (90 minutes)

   • Return the browned chicken and sausage to the pot. Add the Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, bay leaves, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 90 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld. Stir occasionally.
   • During the last 30 minutes of simmering, add the sliced okra to the pot. This will allow it to cook through and act as a natural thickener.
   • Skim any excess fat that rises to the surface during simmering.
6. 6

   Finish and Serve (5 minutes)

   • After simmering, remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste the gumbo and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne to your liking.
   • Stir in half of the sliced green onions and chopped parsley.
   • Ladle the gumbo into bowls over a generous scoop of hot cooked rice. Garnish with the remaining green onions and parsley before serving.