Sausage, Chicken and Shrimp Gumbo

To get us ready for the big NOLA and Mardi Gras, I made a big pot of Gumbo.  My favorite part is the sausage and Louisiana hot sauce.  I like it spicy, but my kids don't, so I always load up on the spice in my bowl.  And I learned that a cast iron skillet really does produce a wonderful and nutty dark roux.  I personally like a light brown roux, and my hubby likes a very dark roux.  I'm the cook, so I got my way this time! He will get his way when we get to New Orleans next week.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 T vegetable oil 
1 large green pepper, diced
1 white onion, diced
3 ribs celery, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp crushed dried thyme
1 tsp paprika
1 can diced tomatoes, with juice
6 cups chicken stock
1 lb Eckridge sausage, sliced
1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
1 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
kosher salt
black pepper
Louisiana hot pepper sauce
white or brown rice, cooked per package instructions

In a cast iron skillet over medium low heat, stir together the vegetable oil and flour.  Cook, stirring often, until a nice brown color is achieved.  Set aside.

In a large stock pot over medium high heat, add 2 T vegetable oil, and saute the green peppers, onions, and celery for 5 minutes.  Add the garlic and cook another minute.  Add the spices, diced tomatoes, and chicken stock.  Carefully, add 1/2 cup of the roux and stir well.  Reserve the rest of the roux for thickening later. 

Add the sausage and chicken to the pot, and cook until the chicken is cooked through.  Add the raw shrimp and cook for another 5 minutes, or until shrimp is cooked through.  Add more roux to achieve desired thickness.  Taste and add salt and black pepper, as needed.  If you like it spicy, add some Louisiana hot pepper sauce. 

Serve over cooked rice and top with fresh chopped tomatoes and sliced green onions.  Enjoy!