Chuck's Gumbo

Down on Western Avenue, around the corner from our brick & mortar storefront, folks still talk in hushed tones about a little place called Sesto’s Cafe, and the legendary gumbo of Chuck Smith. Chicken and sausage are served up alongside the classic trinity of celery, onion, and bell pepper, with a touch of Herbes de Provence, for mouthwatering and memorable flavor.

Sesto’s is gone now, but its legacy lives on in Chuck’s famous recipe, which he generously shared with us. We’ve made a few changes, to keep his secrets safe, but this bayou classic is still worthy of every bit of its formidable reputation.

Ingredients

For the Roux:

1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup vegetable oil or butter

For the Gumbo:

4 cups onion, chopped
1-1/2 cups celery, chopped
1-1/2up red or green bell pepper, chopped
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire
1 tablespoon Herbes de Provence
1 tablespoon Creole Spice
1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
2 links Andouille Sausage
2 pounds chicken thighs, skinless
4 cups chicken stock, heated
Salt, to taste.
File Powder

Directions

For the Roux: A large, heavy pot is a must - the heavier the better. Patience is a must - the more the better.

Mix flour and oil until thoroughly blended before heating. Turn heat on medium-low and immediately begin stirring. Allow roux to brown slowly, stirring constantly.For the Gumbo:

When roux is dark brown, add the chopped vegetables. Increase heat to medium and stir until onions are translucent. Add seasonings, stirring to blend. Add sausage and chicken, stirring until evenly browned.

Slowly add heated chicken stock, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until gumbo comes to a simmer. Simmer 1 hour, stirring often and reducing heat if necessary to prevent sticking. Add salt to taste.

You can adjust the final thickness of the gumbo with filé powder, or pass it at the table as a traditional accompaniment.

Tags: Chicken Creole Spice Filé Powder Herbes de Provence Holiday Pork Soup Veggies Worcestershire