Gumbo is on my TOP 5 favorite comfort foods. Being that this was the first time I made this dish I am so happy with how it came out. One thing I might mention to you is that to make gumbo it takes time and patience. So sit back and relax and get ready for the best gumbo recipe EVER!

Ingredients needed :

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 pound cleaned and deveined shrimp
• 8 oz smoked andouille sausage
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 14.5 can stewed tomatoes including juice
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 bell pepper chopped
• 3-4 dashes of tabasco sauce
• 2 tbs cajun seasoning
• 1 onion medium finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves
• half a pound chopped and cleaned okra

If possible chop and prepare your veggies so when its time to start cooking everything is at close range.

Pour the oiling a big dutch oven over medium low heat allow it heat up then after its hot enough about 10 min stir in slowly the flour with a wooden spoon. Stir it till it gets to your desired color I wanted a light brown rue so that doesn’t cook as long as a darker rue.

Stir the roux for about 15- 22 min till it gets a light brown color be very careful to not burn the roux mixture. When your roux reaches your desired color slowly stir in the onions, bell peppers and okra stirring as needed so the veggies don’t tick to the bottom of the pot for about 8-10 minutes. When the veggies get soft add in the garlic and andouille sausage and bay leaves.

Continue to cook for about 2 minutes then add the cajun seasonings, tabasco sauce and cayenne pepper .

Next add in the chicken broth & stewed tomatoes with the juices. Bring to a high simmer before lowering the heat to medium low. Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.

After your gumbo has simmered add in your shrimp give it a stir and allow to simmer. Cook shrimp until it is opaque, taste and season with salt and pepper if necessary.

Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve gumbo with warm white rice and top with scallions or like I did fried okra

Hope you enjoyed !