Big Easy Gumbo

Gumbo is a hearty and flavorful soup that is a staple of Louisiana cuisine. It is made with a variety of ingredients, including okra, tomatoes, sausage, shrimp, and chicken. Gumbo can be served over rice or with a side of bread.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 pound andouille sausage, sliced

• 1/2 pound chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen okra, thawed and drained

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 bay leaf

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup water

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.

2. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

3. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened.

4. Add the tomatoes, okra, thyme, cayenne pepper, bay leaf, and parsley to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

5. Add the chicken, sausage, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over rice or with a side of bread.

Tips

• For a thicker gumbo, add 1/4 cup of cornstarch to the pot and whisk until dissolved.

• For a spicier gumbo, add more cayenne pepper to taste.

• Gumbo can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot over medium heat until warmed through.

Enjoy!

Here is a story about the history of gumbo:

Gumbo is a dish that has a long and rich history. It is believed to have originated in West Africa, and was brought to the Americas by enslaved Africans. Gumbo was adapted to the ingredients that were available in the Americas, and soon became a staple of Creole cuisine.

The word "gumbo" is thought to come from the West African word "ki ngombo," which means okra. Okra is a key ingredient in gumbo, and its mucilaginous properties help to thicken the soup.

Gumbo is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. The most common ingredients include okra, tomatoes, sausage, shrimp, and chicken. However, there are many different variations of gumbo, and each chef has their own unique recipe.

Gumbo is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold day. It is also a great way to use up leftover ingredients. So next time you are looking for a comforting and flavorful meal, give gumbo a try!