Get a taste of New Orleans cuisine at home with this delicious gumbo! Smoky andouille sausage, okra, and aromatic vegetables make this an authentic recipe perfect for sharing.
New Orleans is a melting pot of extravagant culture, abundant energy, live music, and Creole cuisine. I’ve enjoyed eating at iconic restaurants like Commander’s Palace and Brennan’s to smaller establishments off the beaten path. I always order gumbo everywhere I go, as each place has their own unique twist.
This recipe is a great way to learn classic kitchen techniques, from homemade chicken broth to a traditional roux for thickening. However, I’ll share quicker options if you’re short on time. This recipe makes a big pot of gumbo to share, or you’ll have plenty of leftovers. Now, in the kitchen, turn on some New Orleans Jazz and “let the good times roll” (laissez les bon temps rouler).
What is gumbo?
Is it a soup or a stew? It’s something more in between, dare I say, “stoup.” It’s a staple Creole dish originating from Louisiana. The preparation highlights the combination of African and European cooking techniques and flavors.
Gumbo is flavored with the holy trinity of vegetables like onions, bell pepper, and celery, plus hot cayenne pepper, various meat, and seafood. Depending on the regional style, it uses different thickening agents to add a rich texture, like roux and filé powder.
Cook the chicken
To develop the flavor of the gumbo, start by cooking the chicken and reserving the liquid. I use boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs or a mixture. It cooks quickly for a delicious broth. However, if you want a more robust stock, you can use bone-in poultry. I recommended using 2 ⅓ pounds of chicken instead to account for the bone.
For convenience, you can use 6 cups of shreddedrotisserie chicken or leftovers to add later in the cooking process. You can also use store-bought unsalted chicken broth or stock instead of the homemade versions.
Cook the okra
Fresh okra is in season in the summer; otherwise, you’ll need to grab a frozen package. The light green, slender, tube-like okra seed pod has a grassy, slightly sweet flavor. When you slice it open, there are tiny white seeds. When cooked, it extrudes a clear edible goop called mucilage.
It may seem slimy after boiling, but it won’t be so noticeable once mixed with the other ingredients. A small amount helps thicken the consistency. Draining the liquid after simmering helps remove some of the sticky substance, so it’s not overpowering.
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