Real Cajun Gumbo (From a Louisianaian)

asimplegirl's Note:

All the gumbos you find that have tomatoes or okra are not cajun. That is creole. These are two completely different cultures. Cajun is a simple, cheap, tasty, country, low swamp land culture. Creole, is a higher class, city folk, type of culture that requires more expensive and extensive ingredients. Do not use more andouille than the recipe calls for, or I promise you will regret it! Please do not season with hot sauce on your plate, it is rude. For cheap, tasty andouille, order from the original makers of cajun andouille at www.cajunsausage.com.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Serves: 8-10

Yield: 1.0 pot

• 1 (5 lb) stewing chicken
• 1 lb andouille sausage
• 1 cup oil
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 2 cups diced onions
• 2 cups diced celery
• 1 cup diced bell pepper
• ¼ cup minced garlic
• 3 quarts chicken stock
• 2 cups sliced green onions
• 1 bay leaf
• salt
• cracked pepper
• louisiana hot sauce
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 4 cups cooked white rice

Directions:

1. Using a sharp boning knife cut the stewing hen into 8-10 serving pieces.
2. Remove as much of the fat from the chicken as possible.
3. Cut andouille into ½-inch slices and set aside.
4. In a 2-gallon stockpot, heat oil over medium-high heat.
5. Whisk in flour, stirring constantly until golden brown roux is achieved. Do not scorch. Should black specks appear, discard and begin again.
6. Add onions, celery, bell pepper and garlic. Sauté 3-5 minutes or until vegetables are wilted.
7. Blend in chicken and andouille. Sauté approximately 15 minutes.
8. Add chicken stock, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until all is incorporated.
9. Bring to a rolling boil, reduce to simmer and cook approximately 1 hour.
10. Skim any fat or oil that rises to the top of the pot.
11. Add green onions, bay leaf, thyme and basil.
12. Season to taste using salt, pepper and hot sauce.
13. Cook an additional 30 minutes or longer if necessary, until chicken is tender and falling apart.
14. Add parsley and adjust seasonings if necessary.
15. Serve over hot, steamed white rice.
16. NOTE: You may wish to boil the chicken 1-2 hours prior to beginning the gumbo to tenderize the meat. Reserve this stock, bone the chicken and use the meat and stock in the gumbo.

Reviews

[fyrfli]

Made this today with my son, he really wanted to make Gumbo after watching Princess and the Frog, and this one seemed perfect! Before looking up recipes I bought a bag of frozen okra, but didnt use it, i was afraid my son (who is 6) wouldnt like it.

I made this very early in the day and once it was pretty much finished i put it in the crockpot and left it on low for about 3 hours til it was time for dinner, made a pot of rice and stuffed myself lol! i served it with Franks and file powder at the table (i would have gotten tabasco, but im making wings later this week).

Delicious!!!

[Chef #882197]

Now this is good gumbo. I didn't use the garlic however and it is excellent. Reminds me of the great gumbo I have had with my dear friends in Church Point, LA.