Ultimate Hearty Meat & Vegetable Gumbo

Ultimate Hearty Meat & Vegetable Gumbo

(A fusion of classic Louisiana gumbo with extra meats, rich flavors, and plenty of vegetables for a well-balanced, satisfying dish.)

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Ingredients

Meats:

• ½ lb smoked sausage (sliced)
• ½ lb andouille sausage (sliced)
• 1 lb chicken thighs (cubed)
• ½ lb shrimp (peeled & deveined)
• ½ lb beef brisket (cubed)

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion (diced)
• 1 green bell pepper (diced)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 3 stalks celery (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 large tomatoes (diced)
• 1 cup okra (sliced)
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 medium sweet potato (cubed)

Broth & Seasonings:

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp Creole seasoning
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Thickener & Base:

• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup butter or oil (for the roux)
• 1 tbsp file powder (ground sassafras leaves, optional)

Extras:

• 2 cups cooked rice (for serving)
• 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Make the Roux:

   • In a heavy pot, melt butter (or heat oil) over medium-low heat.
   • Slowly whisk in flour, stirring constantly for 10-15 minutes until the roux turns deep brown (like peanut butter).

2. Cook the Meats:

   • Add chicken thighs to the roux, stirring until browned.
   • Add sausage and brisket, cooking for 5 more minutes.
   • Stir in garlic, onion, celery, and bell peppers (the "Holy Trinity") and cook until softened.

3. Simmer the Broth:

   • Pour in chicken broth and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits.
   • Add tomatoes, bay leaves, smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne, and Creole seasoning.
   • Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the Vegetables & Shrimp:

   • Stir in okra, corn, and sweet potatoes.
   • Simmer for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
   • Add shrimp and cook for another 5 minutes until pink.

5. Final Touches:

   • Stir in Worcestershire sauce and file powder for a thicker, earthier flavor.
   • Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning to taste.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

   • Ladle gumbo over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
   • Serve with cornbread or crusty bread.

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Why This Version Stands Out?

✅ Multiple meats (chicken, shrimp, sausage, brisket) for depth & richness
✅ Extra vegetables (sweet potatoes, corn, okra, tomatoes) for texture & nutrition
✅ Perfectly thickened broth (dark roux + file powder)

Would you like a spicier version or a seafood-only variation? 😊

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