Classic Louisiana Gumbo
A deeply flavorful and iconic Louisiana stew, this gumbo features a rich, dark roux, the aromatic 'holy trinity' of vegetables, savory andouille sausage, and tender seafood, all simmered to perfection and traditionally served over fluffy white rice. It's a true taste of Southern comfort.
🧂 Ingredients
- 120 ml Vegetable oil(Or other neutral oil like canola)
- 120 g All-purpose flour
- 2 medium Yellow onion(Finely chopped)
- 3 medium Celery stalks(Finely chopped)
- 1 medium Green bell pepper(Finely chopped)
- 450 g Andouille sausage(Sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
- 450 g Large shrimp(Peeled and deveined)
- 250 g Crab meat(Lump crab meat, picked over for shells)
- 300 g Fresh or frozen okra(Sliced into 1/2-inch rounds. If using fresh, you can sauté it first to reduce sliminess, or add it directly.)
- 2 L Chicken stock(Low-sodium preferred, heated)
- 1 tbsp Filé powder (ground sassafras leaves)(For thickening and flavor, added off heat)
- 4 cloves Garlic(Minced)
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper(Or to taste)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for serving Cooked white rice
- for garnish Fresh parsley(Chopped)
- for garnish Green onions(Chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Dark Roux: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly and patiently, until the roux reaches a deep, dark chocolate color. This process can take 30-45 minutes. Be careful not to scorch it; if you see black flecks, it's burnt and you'll need to start over. The aroma should be nutty and toasted.
⏱️ 30-45 minutes - 2
Add the 'Holy Trinity' and Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper (the 'holy trinity') to the roux. Stir well and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the vegetables have softened and become translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 10-12 minutes - 3
Build the Gumbo Base: Gradually whisk in the heated chicken stock, about a cup at a time, ensuring each addition is incorporated smoothly into the roux mixture to prevent lumps. Once all the stock is added, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the bay leaves, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Season lightly with salt and black pepper, keeping in mind the sausage and stock will add saltiness.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Simmer with Sausage and Okra: Add the sliced andouille sausage and the sliced okra to the pot. Stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the gumbo simmer gently for at least 1.5 hours, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, and the sausage to render its flavor into the broth.
⏱️ 1.5 - 2 hours - 5
Add Seafood and Finish: During the last 10 minutes of simmering, add the peeled and deveined shrimp and the lump crab meat to the pot. Stir gently and cook just until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the crab meat is heated through. Be careful not to overcook the seafood.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 6
Final Touches and Serving: Remove the pot from the heat. Discard the bay leaves. Stir in the filé powder until fully incorporated – do not boil the gumbo after adding filé, as it can become stringy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot gumbo generously over bowls of cooked white rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and green onions.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Patience is key for the roux: A dark, well-developed roux is the foundation of authentic gumbo flavor. Don't rush this step, and stir constantly to prevent burning.
- ✓The 'Holy Trinity': Finely dicing the onion, celery, and bell pepper ensures they meld seamlessly into the gumbo.
- ✓Filé powder is a traditional thickener and flavor enhancer made from ground sassafras leaves. Add it *after* removing the gumbo from the heat to prevent it from becoming stringy or gummy.
- ✓Don't overcook the seafood: Shrimp and crab cook very quickly. Add them towards the end of the cooking time to ensure they remain tender.
- ✓Serve it up: Gumbo is traditionally served over steamed white rice, which soaks up the rich, flavorful broth beautifully.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Chicken and Sausage Gumbo: Omit the seafood and add browned chicken pieces (thighs work well) along with the sausage.
- Seafood Gumbo: Increase the amount of shrimp, crab, and add other seafood like oysters or crawfish.
- Vegetarian Gumbo: Omit meats and seafood. Use vegetable stock and add more vegetables like mushrooms or corn.