1 ½cupschopped green bell pepperabout 1 large bell pepper
1cupchopped celeryabout 3-4 large ribs
2tablespoonsminced garlicabout 6 cloves
6cupschicken broth
3bay leaves
2teaspoonsCajun or Creole seasoningmore or less to taste
¼teaspoondried thyme
saltto taste
ground black pepperto taste
3-4chopped green onionsoptional garnish
Instructions
Combine 1 cup vegetable oil and 1 cup all-purpose flour in a large 6 to 8-quart pot, then cook over medium-low heat for 30-45 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the roux is brown.
Increase the heat to medium and add 12 ounces sliced Andouille sausage, 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion, 1 ½ cups chopped green bell pepper, and 1 cup chopped celery, and cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables have softened. Add 2 tablespoons minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Slowly stir in 6 cups chicken broth before adding 3 bay leaves, 2 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, and salt and ground black pepper to taste. Return the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about an hour.
Add 3 cups shredded cooked chicken and continue to simmer for another 45-60 minutes.
About 15 minutes before serving, stir 1 pound peeled and deveined raw shrimp into the gumbo and simmer until the shrimp is pink and cooked through.
Discard the bay leaves before serving and garnish with 3-4 chopped green onions. Serve with white rice.
Notes
Storage, Reheating, & Make Ahead Instructions
Fridge: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave in 30-60 second increments until heated through and steaming.
Freezer: Store the cooked gumbo in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before reheating.
Make Ahead: You can make the roux a few days ahead of time. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to make your gumbo.