Family Style Gumbo is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the whole family together! This one-pot wonder features a rich, savory broth filled with succulent shrimp, tender chicken, and flavorful Andouille sausage, all simmered with aromatic vegetables like bell peppers and onions. It’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients for Family Style Gumbo
- How to Make Family Style Gumbo
- Tips for Making Family Style Gumbo
- Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storing Leftovers
- Freezing Family Style Gumbo
- Reheating Family Style Gumbo
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs
- Try these Gumbo related recipes next!
- Andouille Sausage Jambalaya
- Shrimp Etouffee
- Creole Chicken and Rice
- Cajun Red Beans and Rice
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in a Bowl: This gumbo is the epitome of southern comfort food, offering warm flavors that are both hearty and satisfying.
- One-Pot Wonder: Easily made in one pot, clean-up is a breeze, allowing you to enjoy quality time with your family.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the proteins and vegetables according to your family’s preferences, making it a versatile dish your family will love.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This recipe is sure to impress at family gatherings, holidays, or potlucks!
Ingredients for Family Style Gumbo
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Andouille Sausage: A spicy, smoked sausage that brings rich flavor to the gumbo. Substitute with other smoked sausage if desired.
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, perfect for simmering, providing heartiness to the dish.
- Medium Shrimp: Succulent and quick-cooking, they give the gumbo texture and protein.
- Bell Peppers: Sweet and colorful, they add crunch and flavor.
- Onions: Provides the aromatic base for the gumbo. Use yellow or white onions for best results.
- Celery: Adds freshness and depth of flavor to the gumbo.
- Garlic: Enhances the flavor with its savory punch. Use fresh for the best results.
- Okra: A traditional ingredient, adding a slight thickening to the gumbo.
- Chicken Broth: The base of the gumbo, providing a rich and savory foundation.
- Bay Leaves: For added depth of flavor.
- Thyme: A key herb in southern cooking that enhances the overall taste.
- Cayenne Pepper: For a kick; adjust the quantity according to your spice preference.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Rice: For serving alongside the gumbo.
How to Make Family Style Gumbo
- In a large pot over medium heat, add sliced Andouille sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on both sides, then remove and set aside.
- Add chopped onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in okra and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Return the sausage and chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Add bay leaves, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add the shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing them to turn pink and opaque.
- Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve over cooked rice.
Tips for Making Family Style Gumbo
- Make a Roux: If you want a deeper flavor, consider making a roux by cooking flour in oil until it reaches a dark brown color before adding your vegetables.
- Customize Proteins: Use your favorite protein mix—feel free to replace the chicken with turkey, or add crabs for a seafood twist.
- Let it Simmer: Allowing your gumbo to simmer longer will deepen the flavors, so don’t rush the cooking process!
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the gumbo in advance, allowing it to come to room temperature before refrigerating it for up to 2 days.
- Cook the rice separately and store it in an airtight container for best results.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover gumbo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rice can be stored separately to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Freezing Family Style Gumbo
- Allow the gumbo to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
- Label the containers with the date and type of dish, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Family Style Gumbo
- Thaw frozen gumbo overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a bit of broth if it needs thinning out.
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before adding them to the gumbo in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
What type of rice is best for serving with gumbo?
Long-grain white rice is typically used, but you can also use brown rice or a rice blend if you prefer.
Can I omit certain ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the proteins and vegetables according to your taste. Just keep the core flavors for authenticity.
How can I make it spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper or incorporate some diced jalapeños for an extra kick!
Is gumbo gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you ensure the broth and any added seasonings are gluten-free and omit the roux made with flour.
