Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo
Introduction
Welcome to a taste of the deep south with this hearty and flavorful Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo recipe. Originating from Louisiana, gumbo is a dish known for its rich history and diverse influences, combining elements of French, Spanish, African, and Native American cuisines. This particular recipe showcases the essence of traditional gumbo, with the perfect balance of savory sausage, succulent shrimp, and a deeply flavorful roux.
Ingredients
For the Roux:
- 1/2 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
For the Gumbo:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz (340g) andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hot cooked rice, for serving
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the flour to the pot, stirring constantly to make the roux. Cook until the roux reaches a dark caramel color, about 20-30 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the sliced sausage and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Add the bay leaves, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Let the gumbo simmer for 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the shrimp to the pot and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 5 minutes.
- Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the gumbo over hot cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Yield: About 8 cups
- Difficulty: Medium
Tips & Variations
- For added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of file powder.
- To make this gumbo spicier, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper during cooking.
- This gumbo tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat gumbo, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- You can prepare the roux in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
Conclusion
Get ready to savor a taste of the south with this Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo recipe. Whether you’re a gumbo enthusiast or a first-time gumbo chef, this flavorful dish is sure to impress. Serve it up for a cozy family dinner or at your next gathering, and watch as it disappears in no time. Enjoy the rich flavors and unique blend of ingredients that make this gumbo a true classic!
Pair this Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Don’t forget to share your cooking experience with us – we’d love to hear how your gumbo turned out and any personal touches you added to make it your own!