Authentic Cajun Gumbo

Total Time

Prep: 1 hour + simmering Cook: 45 min.

Makes

20 servings (1-1/4 cups each)

Updated: Jun. 15, 2022
I learned to cook in Louisiana and I love to cook Cajun food. This cajun gumbo recipe is one of my favorites. —Paul Morris, Kelso, Washington
Authentic Cajun Gumbo Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 6 quarts water
  • 1 chicken (5 pounds), cut up
  • 2 large onions, quartered
  • 4 celery ribs, cut into 3-inch pieces
  • 6 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 cup canola oil
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 pound fully cooked andouille sausage links, chopped
  • 2 pounds sliced okra
  • 2 pints shucked oysters
  • 3 tablespoons gumbo file powder
  • Hot cooked rice

Directions

  1. Place the first 11 ingredients in a stockpot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours.
  2. Remove chicken and allow to cool. Strain broth, discarding vegetables; skim fat. Remove meat from bones; cut chicken into bite-size pieces and set aside. Discard bones.
  3. In the same pan, cook and stir oil and flour over medium heat until caramel-colored, about 14 minutes (do not burn). Add finely chopped onion; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Gradually stir in broth. Bring to a boil.
  4. Carefully stir in sausage and reserved chicken. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Stir in okra and oysters. Simmer, uncovered, 10-15 minutes longer or just until okra is tender. Stir in file powder. Serve with rice.
Editor's Note: Gumbo file powder, used to thicken and flavor Creole recipes, is available in spice shops. If you don't want to use gumbo file powder, combine 2 tablespoons each cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Gradually stir into gumbo. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/4 cups: 319 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 990mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.