How to Make a Chicken and Sausage Gumbo in Twenty Minutes or Less

Cajun comfort food doesn't need to be a mystery. Here's how to make a great chicken and sausage gumbo in less than half and hour.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One skinless, boneless chicken breast per person, cut into bit size chunks
• a one pound package of smoked sausage
• an onion, peeled and chopped
• a green pepper, diced
• one stalk of celery, chopped
• two tablespoons of oil
• two tablespoons of wholegrain flour
• one quarter teaspoon of Kitchen Bouquet, or a similar browning sauce
• 16 oz. chicken broth
• salt and pepper or Cajun seasoning to taste.

1. Slice the smoked sausage into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Place the chicken and vegetable ingredients in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 60 seconds.

2. Prepare rice according to directions. Use about 1/4 cup of uncooked rice per person. As soon as the rice is simmering, return to preparation of the gumbo. The rice won't require any further attention, and the gumbo and rice will be ready at the same time.

3. Heat the oil in a 5 quart saucepan over medium high heat; when the oil moves freely in the pan, add the wholewheat flour. Stir the flour to break up lumps, and cook the flour until it begins to bubble. Add the browning sauce and stir for thirty seconds. The color should be a medium-to-dark brown. Reduce heat to medium.

4. Add chicken stock, stirring to prevent clumping. Add sliced smoked sausage. Add vegetables and chicken, then bring to a boil. Add salt and pepper or a cajun seasoning mix to taste. Boil for five minutes, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer until the rice is ready.

5. Serve gumbo over rice with French bread on the side.

Tips & Warnings

• Gumbo pairs well with your favorite beer or any wine.
• Gumbo is basic. It's a great way to use up left over chicken, either on or off the bone, too, but if you use leftover chicken, don't reheat the chicken in the microwave.
• "Gumbo" is a West African word for okra. Add a can of sliced okra if you want, or if you want to add tomatoes, potatoes, or sliced boiled eggs, have fun with it!
• Never allow unsupervised children to operate hazardous household equipment.