Spicy Cajun Gumbo with Andouille Sausage and Okra
A hearty Louisiana-style gumbo combining smoky andouille sausage, tender chicken, fresh okra, and a deep, flavorful roux-based broth. This southern-inspired soups ready in about 80 minutes pairs andouille sausage, sliced, vegetable oil, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz diced tomatoes (canned)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh okra, sliced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large heavy pot over medium heat, whisk together 1/4 cup vegetable oil and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to form a roux. Stir constantly for 10-15 minutes until the mixture turns a dark brown color, similar to chocolate, and smells nutty.
- Step 2: Add 1 large diced onion, 1 medium diced green bell pepper, 2 diced celery stalks, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the roux. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 8 oz sliced andouille sausage and 1 lb boneless chicken thigh pieces. Cook for 5 minutes until sausage browns and chicken begins to firm.
- Step 4: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes and 4 cups chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Step 5: Add 1 cup sliced fresh okra, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Bring the gumbo to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 7: Serve gumbo hot over 1 cup cooked white rice per serving, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped green onions and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Cajun Gumbo with Andouille Sausage and Okra take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 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 Spicy Cajun Gumbo with Andouille Sausage and Okra?
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 andouille sausage, sliced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Cajun Gumbo with Andouille Sausage and Okra?
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 Spicy Cajun Gumbo with Andouille Sausage and Okra for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Spicy Cajun Gumbo with Andouille Sausage and Okra?
Southern 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.
Equipment for this recipe
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