Expert: Melinda Walker - 10/17/2001

Question
I used to live in Baton Rouge and went to New Orleans often to eat delicious Gumbo. I can't find good Cajun restaurants around here. So I want to cook it myself. Could you tell me how?

Answer
Terumi,

Gumbo is very easy to make.  I'm going to give you directions to make a nice chicken and sausage gumbo.  It starts with a roux (rue) which is made by combining equal measures of vegitable oil and flour over high heat.

ingredients:

2/3 cup flour
2/3 cup veg oil
1 cup each chopped onions, bell peppers
1 whole chicken, cut up
1 lb sausage (pref andouille)
Salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning

In a nice stock pot or dutch oven (the heavier the better) add the flour and oil.  Over medium-high heat, mix oil and flour well.  Stir constantly and quickly.  Be very careful not to splatter it, it will get very hot, very quickly.  Continue to stir constantly.  Don't let it sit or it will burn.  The mixture will begin to turn brown as it cooks.  A good roux is the color of dark caramel.

When the roux is ready, carefully add water, onions, bell pepper, chicken and sausage.  Water should be about an inch to inch and a half above chicken.  Add seasonings.  Allow to come to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.  Cook atleast one hour.  Serve with rice; garnish with chopped green onion tops.