Shrimp And Sausage Gumbo
A hearty and flavorful gumbo featuring shrimp, sausage, and vegetables, perfect for comfort food lovers and suitable for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain rice ⓘ
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage links ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, diced ⓘ
- 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 package (10 oz.) frozen whole okra ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 pound large shrimp, shelled and deveined ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 2-quart saucepan, cook the rice according to the package instructions.
- Keep the cooked rice warm.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced hot Italian sausage links and cook until browned.
- Stir in the diced onions and cook until softened.
- Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and onions, stirring constantly to make a roux; cook until the mixture is browned.
- Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add the frozen okra, hot pepper sauce, dried thyme, dried oregano, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and discard.
- Serve the gumbo over the prepared rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder gumbo, reduce the hot pepper sauce or omit it altogether. You can substitute the hot Italian sausage with andouille sausage for a more traditional taste. Additionally, if okra is unavailable, diced bell peppers can work as a substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo over rice for a hearty meal, and consider pairing it with crusty bread or a light salad for balance. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions can enhance the dish's presentation. This gumbo also pairs beautifully with Darlene's Dumplings for a comforting twist.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover gumbo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it thickens too much. Gumbo can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp And Sausage Gumbo contains roughly 1501 calories, with 30g protein, 215g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (216% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1188mg per serving (52% 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 use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh shrimp in this recipe. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined before adding them to the gumbo. Fresh shrimp will cook quickly, so watch them closely to avoid overcooking.
What can I serve with gumbo?
Gumbo is traditionally served with rice, but you can also pair it with cornbread or a simple green salad. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Best Christmas Dressing to complement the flavors.
Is gumbo spicy?
The spice level of gumbo can vary based on the amount of hot pepper sauce and sausage used. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with less hot pepper sauce and taste as you go, adding more if desired.
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).