Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Ingredients for Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt plus more

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

• 1.4kg skinless, boneless chicken thighs

• 120ml (or more) vegetable oil

• 450g andouille or other spicy smoked sausage, cut into 1/2" rounds

• 130g plain flour

• 2 medium onions, finely chopped

• 4 spring onions, thinly sliced (white and pale parts separated from dark)

• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

• 2 green peppers, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic

• 8 cups low-salt chicken broth

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

• 475ml 1/2"-thick slices fresh (or frozen, thawed) okra, divided

• 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (preferably Crystal)

• 1 teaspoon filé powder plus more (optional)

• Steamed rice

Combine 1 tablespoon salt and next 3 ingredients in a small bowl; sprinkle all over chicken. Heat 120ml oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Working in batches, sear chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Add sausage to pot; cook until browned, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to plate with chicken.

Strain drippings from pot through a fine-mesh sieve into a 2-cup heatproof measuring cup; reserve 240ml drippings, adding more oil if needed to measure 240ml . Wipe pot clean; return drippings to pot.

Heat drippings over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Whisk constantly until roux is the colour of milk chocolate, 15-20 minutes. Reduce heat to low; add onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 10 minutes. Stir in white and pale-green parts of spring onions and next 3 ingredients. Cook, stirring often, until soft, about 10 minutes.

Slowly whisk in broth. Add bay leaves, thyme, and reserved chicken and sausage. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer gently, skimming fat from surface and stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes.

Stir in 240ml okra, Worcestershire, and hot sauce. Simmer until chicken is very tender and flavours meld, about 45 minutes. Stir in remaining 240ml okra; simmer until okra is crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Season to taste with salt. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Let cool slightly; chill uncovered until cold. Cover and keep chilled. Rewarm gently before continuing. Add 1 teaspoon filé powder, if using.

Serve gumbo over rice. Garnish with dark-green parts of spring onions. Sprinkle with more filé powder, if desired.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.