Arabella Lombardi Chicken and sausage gumbo is a hearty and flavorful Cajun dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This classic recipe is made with a combination of chicken, sausage, and vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Gumbo is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, so feel free to add or remove ingredients as desired.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the chicken and sausage. Remove the chicken and sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Add the onion, bell peppers, and celery to the pot and cook until softened.
- Stir in the tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Return the chicken and sausage to the pot and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes more.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over rice.
Tips:
- Use a variety of vegetables. In addition to the onions, bell peppers, and celery listed in the recipe, you can also add carrots, corn, or okra.
- Adjust the spice level to your liking. If you like your gumbo spicy, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
- Cook the gumbo low and slow. This will allow the flavors to develop and the chicken to become tender.
- Serve the gumbo over rice. This will help to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Garnish the gumbo with fresh parsley. This will add a pop of color and freshness.
Benefits:
- Chicken and sausage gumbo is a good source of protein and fiber.
- The vegetables in the gumbo provide vitamins and minerals.
- Gumbo is a relatively low-fat dish.
Summary:
Chicken and sausage gumbo is a hearty, flavorful, and versatile dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. By following the tips above, you can make a delicious gumbo that your family and friends will love.
Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Recipe
Chicken and sausage gumbo is a hearty and flavorful Cajun dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This classic recipe is made with a combination of chicken, sausage, and vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Gumbo is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, so feel free to add or remove ingredients as desired.
- Chicken: The chicken is the main protein in gumbo. You can use any type of chicken you like, but dark meat chicken will give the gumbo a richer flavor.
- Sausage: The sausage is another important ingredient in gumbo. You can use any type of sausage you like, but smoked sausage or andouille sausage are traditional choices.
- Vegetables: The vegetables in gumbo add flavor and texture. The most common vegetables used in gumbo are onions, bell peppers, and celery. You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots, corn, or okra.
- Broth: The broth is the base of gumbo. You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water. If you use water, you will need to add more seasoning to the gumbo.
- Seasoning: Gumbo is typically seasoned with a variety of spices, including cayenne pepper, black pepper, and thyme. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Rice: Gumbo is traditionally served over rice. The rice helps to soak up the flavorful broth.
These are just a few of the key aspects of chicken and sausage gumbo. By understanding these aspects, you can create a delicious gumbo that your family and friends will love.
1. Chicken
Chicken is the main protein in chicken and sausage gumbo. It provides the dish with its characteristic flavor and texture. Dark meat chicken is the best choice for gumbo because it has a richer flavor than white meat chicken. This is due to the higher fat content of dark meat chicken. The fat helps to keep the chicken moist and flavorful during cooking.
There are many different ways to cook chicken for gumbo. You can fry it, bake it, or grill it. However, the most traditional way to cook chicken for gumbo is to stew it. Stewing is a slow-cooking method that allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients in the gumbo.
Once the chicken is cooked, it is added to the gumbo pot along with the other ingredients. The gumbo is then simmered until all of the flavors have melded together.
Chicken and sausage gumbo is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a relatively easy dish to make. By following a few simple steps, you can create a delicious gumbo that your family and friends will love.
2. Sausage
Sausage is an essential ingredient in chicken and sausage gumbo, adding flavor, texture, and richness to the dish. The type of sausage used can vary depending on personal preference and regional traditions, but some of the most common and flavorful options include smoked sausage and andouille sausage.
- Smoked sausage is a type of sausage that has been smoked over wood chips, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor. It is a popular choice for gumbo because it adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
- Andouille sausage is a type of smoked sausage that is made with pork, garlic, and spices. It has a spicy, peppery flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in gumbo.
When choosing a sausage for gumbo, it is important to select a sausage that is flavorful and has a good texture. The sausage should also be cooked properly to ensure that it is cooked through and has a slightly crispy exterior.
Sausage is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. In addition to gumbo, it can also be used in soups, stews, casseroles, and pasta dishes. It is a great way to add flavor and protein to any meal.
3. Vegetables
The vegetables in chicken and sausage gumbo play a vital role in adding flavor and texture to the dish. The most common vegetables used in gumbo are onions, bell peppers, and celery, which form the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking. These vegetables provide a base of flavor that is essential to the dish.
In addition to the holy trinity, other vegetables that are commonly used in gumbo include carrots, corn, and okra. These vegetables add sweetness, texture, and color to the dish. You can also add other vegetables to your gumbo, such as green beans, peas, or tomatoes.
The vegetables in gumbo are typically cooked in a roux, which is a mixture of flour and fat. The roux helps to thicken the gumbo and gives it a rich, flavorful base. The vegetables are then cooked in the roux until they are softened and have released their flavors.
The vegetables in chicken and sausage gumbo are an essential part of the dish. They add flavor, texture, and color, and they help to create the rich, flavorful broth that is characteristic of gumbo.
4. Broth
The broth is an essential component of chicken and sausage gumbo. It provides the base for the dish’s flavor and texture. The type of broth you use will have a significant impact on the overall taste of your gumbo.
Chicken broth is the most common type of broth used in gumbo. It provides a rich, flavorful base that complements the other ingredients in the dish. Vegetable broth can also be used, but it will result in a less flavorful gumbo. If you use water, you will need to add more seasoning to the gumbo to compensate for the lack of flavor.
The amount of broth you use will also affect the consistency of the gumbo. If you want a thicker gumbo, use less broth. If you want a thinner gumbo, use more broth.
The broth is an important part of chicken and sausage gumbo. By understanding the different types of broth and how they affect the flavor and texture of the dish, you can create a delicious gumbo that your family and friends will love.
Here are some tips for making the perfect gumbo broth:
- Use a high-quality broth. The better the quality of the broth, the better the gumbo will be.
- If you are using water, be sure to add plenty of seasoning. This will help to compensate for the lack of flavor.
- Simmer the broth for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to develop and meld together.
- Taste the broth before adding it to the gumbo. This will help you to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
By following these tips, you can make a delicious gumbo broth that will be the foundation for a great gumbo.
5. Seasoning
Seasoning is an essential part of chicken and sausage gumbo. It adds flavor and depth to the dish, and it can be adjusted to your liking. The most common spices used in gumbo are cayenne pepper, black pepper, and thyme, but you can also add other spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder.
- Cayenne pepper is a key ingredient in gumbo. It adds a spicy flavor to the dish, and it can be adjusted to your liking. If you don’t like spicy food, you can use less cayenne pepper. If you like spicy food, you can use more.
- Black pepper is another important spice in gumbo. It adds a peppery flavor to the dish, and it can also be adjusted to your liking. If you don’t like black pepper, you can use less. If you like black pepper, you can use more.
- Thyme is a herb that is often used in gumbo. It adds a subtle flavor to the dish, and it can also be adjusted to your liking. If you don’t like thyme, you can use less. If you like thyme, you can use more.
In addition to these three spices, you can also add other spices to your gumbo, such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder. These spices will add additional flavor and depth to the dish. You can experiment with different spices to find the combination that you like best.
Seasoning is an important part of chicken and sausage gumbo. By understanding the different spices that are used in gumbo, you can create a delicious dish that your family and friends will love.
6. Rice
Rice is an essential component of chicken and sausage gumbo. It provides a starchy base that helps to soak up the flavorful broth, and it also adds a chewy texture to the dish. Without rice, gumbo would be a much thinner and less satisfying dish.
The type of rice used in gumbo is also important. Long-grain rice is the most common type of rice used, as it cooks up fluffy and separate. Short-grain rice can also be used, but it will result in a gumbo that is more sticky and dense.
The amount of rice used in gumbo is also a matter of personal preference. Some people like to use a lot of rice, while others prefer to use just a little. The amount of rice you use will also affect the consistency of the gumbo. If you use a lot of rice, the gumbo will be thicker. If you use less rice, the gumbo will be thinner.
Rice is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. In addition to gumbo, rice can also be used in soups, stews, casseroles, and salads. It is a great way to add starch and texture to any meal.
7. Conclusion
Rice is an essential component of chicken and sausage gumbo. It provides a starchy base that helps to soak up the flavorful broth, and it also adds a chewy texture to the dish. The type and amount of rice used will affect the consistency of the gumbo, so it is important to experiment to find the combination that you like best.
Chicken and sausage gumbo is a hearty and flavorful Cajun dish that is sure to warm you up on a cold day. It is made with a combination of chicken, sausage, and vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Gumbo is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, so feel free to add or remove ingredients as desired.
Gumbo is thought to have originated in Louisiana in the 18th century. It is believed to be a combination of African, French, and Spanish influences. Gumbo quickly became a popular dish in Louisiana, and it is now considered to be one of the state’s signature dishes.
There are many different ways to make chicken and sausage gumbo, but all gumbos share a few key ingredients. These ingredients include:
- Chicken
- Sausage
- Vegetables (such as onions, celery, and bell peppers)
- Broth
- Seasonings
FAQs about Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Chicken and sausage gumbo is a popular Cajun dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. However, there are some common questions that people have about gumbo. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about chicken and sausage gumbo:
Question 1: What is the difference between gumbo and stew?
Answer: Gumbo and stew are both hearty dishes that are typically served over rice. However, there are some key differences between the two dishes. Gumbo is made with a roux, which is a mixture of flour and fat that is used to thicken the broth. Stew, on the other hand, is not made with a roux. Additionally, gumbo typically contains more vegetables than stew.
Question 2: What is the holy trinity in gumbo?
Answer: The holy trinity is a combination of onions, celery, and bell peppers. These three vegetables are essential to the flavor of gumbo. They are typically cooked in a roux before the other ingredients are added.
Question 3: What type of sausage is best for gumbo?
Answer: The best type of sausage for gumbo is a smoked sausage. Smoked sausage adds a rich, flavorful taste to the dish. Andouille sausage is a popular choice for gumbo, but you can also use other types of smoked sausage, such as kielbasa or chorizo.
Question 4: How can I thicken my gumbo?
Answer: There are two ways to thicken gumbo. The first way is to add a roux. A roux is a mixture of flour and fat that is cooked together until it forms a paste. The roux is then added to the gumbo and cooked until it thickens. The second way to thicken gumbo is to add okra. Okra is a vegetable that contains a natural thickener. When okra is cooked, it releases a mucilaginous substance that helps to thicken the gumbo.
Question 5: How can I store gumbo?
Answer: Gumbo can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store gumbo, let it cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. When you are ready to eat the gumbo, reheat it over medium heat until it is warmed through.
Question 6: Can I freeze gumbo?
Answer: Yes, you can freeze gumbo. To freeze gumbo, let it cool completely and then place it in a freezer-safe container. Gumbo can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat the gumbo, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it over medium heat until it is warmed through.
Conclusion
Chicken and sausage gumbo is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is made with a combination of chicken, sausage, and vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Gumbo is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, so feel free to add or remove ingredients as desired.
Whether you are a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, we encourage you to give chicken and sausage gumbo a try. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone at your table. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!
Youtube Video:
