New Orleans Style Gumbo
A hearty and flavorful New Orleans-style gumbo featuring a rich roux, smoked sausage, chicken, and shrimp, perfect for sharing with family and friends in a comforting bowl.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the onion and green pepper.
- Mince the garlic.
- Skin, bone, and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut the sausage into 1/2-inch slices and quarter each slice.
- Rinse, clean, and halve the shrimp.
- In a large pot, combine flour and cooking oil to make a roux and cook until dark brown.
- Add chopped onions, green pepper, and minced garlic to the roux and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Pour in hot water and bring to a boil.
- Add chicken pieces and sausage slices to the boiling water.
- Reduce heat and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 30 minutes.
- Add shrimp to the pot and cook until pink, about 5 minutes.
- Serve hot over cooked rice, optionally sprinkled with file powder.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, try toasting the flour longer to achieve a darker roux, but be careful not to burn it. You can substitute smoked sausage with andouille or any other sausage for a different taste. If you prefer, use frozen shrimp instead of fresh; just thaw them beforehand. For a heartier dish, add vegetables like okra or replace some chicken with seafood.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo hot over a bed of fluffy hot cooked rice for a filling meal. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad for freshness. For an authentic touch, sprinkle file powder on top before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with Basque Rice, adding a delightful contrast to the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover gumbo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the gumbo thickens, add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Gumbo also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Orleans Style Gumbo contains roughly 897 calories, with 29g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (58% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1280mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make gumbo ahead of time?
Yes, gumbo often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
What is file powder and do I need it?
File powder is made from dried sassafras leaves and is commonly used in gumbo for flavor and thickening. It's optional, but it adds a unique taste. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or use a small amount of okra for thickening instead.
Can I use a different type of meat in gumbo?
Absolutely! While chicken and sausage are traditional, you can substitute with shrimp, crab, or even a mix of different seafood. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).