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Gumbo

This gumbo hits that perfect balance of deep, smoky flavor and Cajun comfort. A slow‑built roux gives it body, the trinity brings the soul, and shrimp and andouille finish it off with bold, repeat‑worthy flavor. Serve it over rice and you’ve got a bowl that’s worth making again.
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Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup peanut oil
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 med onion chopped
  • 3 stalks celery chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 qt chicken stock, plus 1 cup water
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 lb andouille sausage cut into 1/4" rounds
  • 2 lb large shrimp (16-20) peeled and deveined
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 5 green onions white and green parts, chopped
  • 1 tbsp filé powder optional
  • Hot sauce for serving

Instructions
 

  • Make the roux
    Heat the peanut oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high. Whisk in the flour and drop the heat to medium. Stir constantly, scraping the bottom as you go. Cook until the roux turns deep copper—like an old penny, about 25–30 minutes. Don’t rush it; this is where the flavor starts.
  • Build the base
    Mix in the "holy trinity" of green pepper, onion and celery and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes.
    Add the garlic and cook another 2 minutes. Stir in the Cajun seasoning.
  • Slowly add stock, then simmer
    Warm the stock and water in a separate pot until steamy. Slowly pour it into the roux mixture while stirring. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add Worcestershire and a pinch of salt. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. If oil pools on top, whisk in up to 1 cup water to bring it back together.
  • Add the sausage.
    Brown the andouille in a skillet first for extra depth, then stir it into the gumbo. Simmer 5 minutes.
  • Finish with shrimp.
    Add the shrimp and filé powder (if using). Simmer just until the shrimp are pink and firm, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  • Serve.
    Spoon gumbo over white rice. Top with green onions and a dash of hot sauce. Leftovers? Even better the next day—just add fresh shrimp when reheating.

Notes

Flavor Notes

  • Roux color = flavor. Stop at deep copper, not chocolate.
  • Browning the sausage first adds smoky depth.
  • Gumbo thickens overnight—perfect for next-day leftovers.