Chicken and Sausage Gumbo With Tomatoes

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By Diana Rattray, About.com Guide

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Gumbo With Rice

D. Rattray

A delicious chicken gumbo the whole family will enjoy, or double and serve to a crowd for game day or other gathering. This gumbo is wonderful with hot boiled rice and crusty bread.

Ingredients:

3 to 4 chicken breast halves, cut in small chunks
4 chicken thighs, trimmed and cut in small pieces
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon Creole seasoning blend
12 to 16 ounces smoked sausage, cut in 1.2-inch pieces
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper, optional
3 ribs celery, chopped
3 medium cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 small bay leaf
1 teaspoon Creole seasoning blend, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

Preparation:

Cut chicken into small pieces; sprinkle with salt and pepper then toss with 3 tablespoons flour. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil heavy skillet over medium heat; add chicken. Cook, stirring, until browned. Transfer to a dish and set aside. Brown sliced sausage; add to chicken mixture.

Put chopped onion, bell pepper, and chopped celery in a bowl; set aside.

In a large, heavy pot, heat the oil; add the flour. Cook, stirring constantly, until the roux reaches a deep blonde-color, about the color of dark peanut butter. You can do this over medium to medium-high heat, but stir constantly and watch carefully. It cannot burn. The heat control of a gas range makes it a little easier to cook over higher heat. If you're not a novice to roux-making, you might want to make a darker roux.

When roux has reached the color you want, add the vegetables and stir briskly. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 to 4 minutes.

Add the chicken broth, seasonings, chicken and sausage. Bring to a boil, then cook for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, skimming excess fat off the top several times, as needed.

Add the chopped green onions and parsley; heat for 5 to 10 minutes longer. Mound hot cooked rice in bowls, ladle the gumbo around the mound. Serve with crusty bread and butter.

Serves 6 as a main dish. Double ingredients for 12 hearty servings.