Louisiana Chicken and Sausage Gumbo (The Real Stuff) 🍲
Description: Ever wondered how to cook up a genuine, soul-warming pot of Louisiana chicken gumbo? Look no further! This recipe encapsulates the essence of true Cajun and Creole cuisine, passed down through generations with love and instinct rather than strict measurements and instructions. Gumbo isn’t just a dish; it’s a legacy, a tradition, a journey of flavor that varies from pot to pot and cook to cook. While I’ll guide you through the steps, remember, the heart and soul you pour into it are what truly make it shine.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- Sausage (of your choice)
- Water
- Chicken broth
- Butter
- Flour
- 1 onion
- 1 green pepper
- Garlic
- Celery
- Salt
- Pepper
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 3080.8
- Fat: 212.6g
- Saturated Fat: 60.8g
- Cholesterol: 975.3mg
- Sodium: 993.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 43.8g
- Fiber: 7.9g
- Sugar: 12.4g
- Protein: 236.4g
Recipe Yield: 1 Big Pot
Instructions:
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Melt Butter: Begin by melting some butter in your heavy-bottomed pot, allowing it to coat the bottom evenly.
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Prepare Chicken: Sprinkle a little flour over the whole chicken, adding a subtle layer of flavor. Brown the chicken in the melted butter, ensuring a golden exterior (approximately 5 minutes). Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.
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Make Roux: In the same pot, using equal parts butter and flour, craft your roux. If you’re unfamiliar with this process, refer to my gumbo base recipe for detailed instructions. Cook the roux until it reaches a rich, dark chocolate hue.
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Add Holy Trinity: Introduce the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the roux, creating what we call the Holy Trinity in Louisiana cuisine. Season generously with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté the veggies until they’re fragrant and tender, taking care not to let them burn.
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Reintroduce Chicken: Return the browned chicken to the pot, nestling it amongst the aromatic vegetables.
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Add Liquid: Slowly pour in water or chicken broth, stirring continuously to incorporate it into the roux. The consistency of your gumbo will depend on the amount of liquid you add; adjust according to your preference for a thicker or thinner gravy.
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Season: Enhance the flavors with additional salt, pepper, and a Cajun seasoning blend, ensuring each spoonful is packed with depth and spice.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. This allows the flavors to meld and develop over time.
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Add Sausage: Introduce your choice of sausage into the bubbling pot, letting it infuse its savory essence into the gumbo.
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Cook Until Tender: Allow the gumbo to simmer until the chicken is tender enough to fall off the bones, and the sausage has released its delicious juices into the stew. This process typically takes around an hour and a half, but the real indicator is when eager family members start hovering around, eager to sneak spoonfuls behind your back.
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Serve: Ladle this hearty, aromatic gumbo over a bed of fluffy rice, allowing each mouthful to transport you to the heart of Louisiana’s culinary landscape.
In conclusion, while this recipe serves as a guide, the true magic of gumbo lies in your ability to cook with intuition, passion, and a dash of Cajun spirit. So gather your ingredients, trust your instincts, and let the aroma of simmering spices fill your kitchen as you embark on this delicious journey of flavor and tradition. Bon appétit! 🎉
