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Gumbo

Savory Gumbo: A Hearty Stew to Warm Your Soul

Experience the rich flavors of gumbo with this hearty stew, featuring andouille sausage and shrimp, a true Louisiana classic.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Soups
Cuisine: Cajun, Louisiana
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Roux
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter essential for thickening the gumbo
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour this ingredient forms the base of your roux
For the Vegetables
  • 2 ribs celery roughly chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion roughly chopped
  • 1 large green bell pepper roughly chopped
  • 2 teaspoons garlic minced
For the Broth and Seasoning
  • 10 cups beef broth serves as the flavorful backbone
  • 1 ring andouille sausage 14 ounces, sliced into rounds
  • 1 can stewed tomatoes adds acidity
  • 1 can tomato sauce enhances richness
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar balances acidity
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 4 teaspoons gumbo filé powder divided
  • 4 leaves bay leaves
For the Seafood
  • 3 pounds shrimp uncooked medium, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
To Serve
  • cooked white rice for serving

Equipment

  • 6-quart pot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large 6-quart pot over medium-low heat, melt ¾ cup of unsalted butter. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of all-purpose flour until smooth. Continue whisking constantly for 30-40 minutes until the roux reaches a deep, rich brown color, resembling chocolate.
  2. While the roux cools, chop 2 ribs of celery, 1 large onion, 1 large green bell pepper, and mince 2 teaspoons of garlic until finely diced. Stir this fragrant mixture into the cooled roux, coating the vegetables evenly. Sauté for about 8-12 minutes until softened.
  3. Gradually whisk in 10 cups of beef broth, ensuring no lumps remain from the roux. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, taking about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Stir in sliced andouille sausage, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, hot sauce, white sugar, Cajun seasoning, thyme leaves, and bay leaves. Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes.
  5. After 45 minutes, stir in gumbo filé powder and cook for another 15 minutes. Remove bay leaves, then add shrimp and Worcestershire sauce. Cook gently for 45-60 minutes, then serve.
  6. Spoon the gumbo over bowls of cooked white rice and serve hot to enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 1500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Gumbo often tastes even better the next day! Allow it to sit overnight for an intensified flavor experience.

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