Chicken Andouille Gumbo

This classic Southern-style dish uses chicken, okra, andouille sausage, tomatoes, bell pepper, celery, garlic, bay leaf, and various herbs and spices for an amazing flavor. 

To make it, you'll need 12 cups water, 3 pounds chicken parts (or a variety of your choice), vegetable oil, 1 ½ pounds okra (chopped into 1-inch pieces), all-purpose flour (for making a roux), 1 pound andouille sausage (sliced ¼ inch thick), canned Italian-style tomatoes with juices included (1 28 ounce can), a chopped green bell pepper (seeds removed), 2 stalks chopped celery, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 bay leaf, salt to taste (2 teaspoons preferred), plus dried thyme, basil, cayenne pepper, ground black pepper just for seasoning; then file powder is added at the end. 

Each serving has approximately 782 calories; 61g fat; 19g carbs; 40g protein. Enjoy!

Directions

Combine water and chicken in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until chicken is tender, about 1 hour. Using tongs, transfer the chicken to a strainer and cool, saving the cooking liquid. Remove meat from bones in pieces.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add okra and cook until no longer sticky, stirring frequently, about 20 minutes; set aside.

Stir flour and remaining 1/2 cup oil in a heavy large Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat until deep golden brown, stirring frequently, about 6 minutes. Add 4 cups reserved chicken cooking broth, okra, andouille sausage, tomatoes with their juices, bell pepper, celery, garlic, bay leaf, salt, thyme, basil, cayenne, and pepper. Cover partially and simmer until thickened, about 1 1/2 hours.

Spoon off any fat from the surface of the gumbo. Add chicken and file powder to gumbo and simmer gently for 15 minutes. (If preparing ahead, cover and refrigerate. 

Bring to a simmer before serving.) Mound rice in shallow bowls if desired. Ladle gumbo over and serve.

Adhering to a suggested diet plan is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Swapping unhealthy foods for healthier alternatives and being mindful of the amount you consume is both imperative for achieving optimal results. 

Bon Appetit!

Anita Johnson-Brown

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