Real Cajun Gumbo

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich gumbo made with a dark roux and traditional 'holy trinity' vegetables, capturing the authentic soul of New Orleans cooking. This american-inspired soups ready in about 90 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, vegetable oil, large onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and stir constantly with a wooden spoon for 15-20 minutes until deep brown and nutty—do not burn.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced onion, 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, and 1/2 cup diced celery to roux. Cook 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften and aromas blend.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 lb sliced andouille sausage and 1/2 lb cubed chicken breast. Cook 5 minutes until chicken is lightly browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper. Bring to simmer, cover, and cook for 60 minutes on low heat.
  5. Step 5: Remove bay leaf. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup chopped green onions. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot over 1/2 cup cooked rice per serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Real Cajun Gumbo take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Real Cajun Gumbo?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Real Cajun Gumbo?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Real Cajun Gumbo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Real Cajun Gumbo?

American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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