Best Easy Jar Roux Gumbo Recipe
Gumbo is a traditional Louisiana dish that is packed with flavor and warmth. It typically consists of a rich, dark roux, meat or seafood, and a variety of vegetables. While making a roux from scratch can be time-consuming, using a jar roux can make the process much easier and quicker. In this article, we will share an easy jar roux gumbo recipe that you can whip up in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup jar roux
– 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
– 1 lb chicken thighs or breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 large onion, diced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 3 celery stalks, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 green onions, sliced
– Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the jar roux to the pot and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to incorporate the roux. Add the diced tomatoes, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine.
6. Return the cooked sausage and chicken to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
8. Taste the gumbo and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. Serve the gumbo over cooked rice, garnished with sliced green onions.
Now, let’s answer some common questions about this easy jar roux gumbo recipe:
1. Can I use a different type of meat in this gumbo?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken and sausage with other meats like turkey, ham, or even seafood like crab or crawfish.
2. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen ones?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor of the gumbo. Just make sure to sauté them until they are tender before adding the roux.
3. Is the jar roux as flavorful as making it from scratch?
While homemade roux has a distinct flavor, jar roux can still create a delicious gumbo. It saves time and effort without compromising too much on taste.
4. Can I make this gumbo in advance?
Yes, gumbo actually gets better with time as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day ahead and reheat it before serving for an even more flavorful dish.
5. How spicy is this gumbo recipe?
The cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat, but it can be omitted if you prefer a milder gumbo. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
6. How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze gumbo for up to three months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags.
8. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Certainly! Vegetable broth will work well if you want to make a vegetarian version of this gumbo.
9. Can I add other vegetables to this gumbo?
Absolutely! Gumbo is a versatile dish, and you can add vegetables like okra, bell peppers, or even corn to customize it to your liking.
Enjoy making this easy jar roux gumbo recipe and savor the flavors of Louisiana right in your own kitchen!