Monday, February 20, 2017

A Lightened Up Version of Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Rain is a rare event in the desert. Even with very small amounts of moisture the plants in the mountain preserves around our home quickly turn green. There is also a very distinctive smell. While the air smells amazingly fresh there is also the pungent odor of the creosote bush that is all over the valley. Baking and cooking also goes hand in hand with this happy occurrence. So after two full days of rain I decided to prepare a wonderful steaming pot of a chicken and sausage gumbo. Since Mardi Gras is right around the corner I thought I try a lightened up version of this traditional recipe. I’m happy to report that the flavor did not suffer in the least, in fact I think it might even be better.

Bayou Black Cajun Rub and Seasoning
A few weeks ago I was contacted by Sean Kolina the co-founder of Legion of Spice to do a product review. After checking out their website I realized what a good fit they were for my website as their products are 100% natural, gluten-free, non-GMO, soy free and made in the USA. What’s even more impressive is that they give back 10% of their profits to help the hungry and are currently working with a local anti-food waste company called Just Ripe.

Legion of Spice, Bayou Black
For my lightened up chicken and sausage gumbo recipe I used the Legion of Spice; Bayou Black Cajun Rub and Seasoning. They use 2 types of paprika, a 5 peppercorn mix, garlic, onions, cayenne, Aji Amarillo, cumin and Mediterranean Sea Salt. There are no fillers or anti-caking agents. As I opened the seasoning I could smell the amazing spice combination. This would also be great on certain fish, beef, eggs, potatoes and vegetables.

Disclaimer: I was provided a sample of this product in exchange for a fair and honest review.


yield: 8-10print recipe

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

This lightened up version of chicken and sausage gumbo will brighten your darkest days. Serve with brown or white rice.
prep time: 20 MINScook time: 1 hour and 20 MINStotal time: 1 hours and 40 mins

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless organic chicken thighs
  • 12 ounces Natural Cajun style Andouille sausage, no nitrates, gluten-free, sliced ¼ inch
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced thin
  • 1 carrot, sliced thin
  • 2 teaspoons Bayou Black Seasoning
  • 14.5 ounces stewed tomatoes
  • 32-ounces low sodium, free range chicken broth
  • 12 ounces frozen okra, sliced into ¼ rounds
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Handful of parsley, minced for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Heat the oil over medium-heat in a heavy bottomed soup pot. Lightly season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Cook until lightly browned about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Remove from pot and set aside. Add sausage and cook until browned, remove and set aside.
  2. Add flour and stir until smooth. Keep stirring on low-heat for about 5 to 6 minutes or/until mixture turns a medium dark brown color. Now add ¼ cup water, stir continuously.
  3. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrot, cook until just tender about 8- 10 minutes.
  4. Now add back in the chicken, Bayou Black seasoning, canned tomatoes, chicken broth and okra, bring to a boil, let simmer about 35 to 40 minutes.
  5. Remove chicken from pot and let cool. Now add sausage and simmer for 20 more minutes.
  6. When chicken has cooled shred and add back into pot.
  7. If too thick, thin soup with broth or water. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve over brown or white rice.
Created using The Recipes Generator
Cheri Savory Spoon
Cheri Savory Spoon

Mysavoryspoon was first started in 2010 as a way to journal recipes that I had collected from cookbooks, magazines, family and friends. Most everything was savory, using legumes and whole grains. Along the way I discovered a love for baking. Now a couple times a month you might see some type of sweet pie or treat.

56 comments:

  1. This gumbo was great, and even better the next day. Reminded me of the gumbo I had in New Orleans.

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  2. Don't think I have ever had a gumbo. It looks very flavoursome and comforting, Cheri.

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    1. Thanks Angie, this is the first time I've ever prepared anything like this gumbo and we really enjoyed it very much.

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  3. That gumbo looks fantastic, I never heard of the spice company will have to check them out.

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    1. Thanks Suzanne, their spices are fantastic, the way they should all be made.

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  4. Cheri, you know - we have never made gumbo before, but you make it look so easy and now we are tempted to try it. Looks fantastic!

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    1. Thanks Anna and Liz, it really was easy and having the right ingredients and spices made it all the easier.

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  5. I've wanted to make gumbo but haven't in part because it tends to be so heavy. So needless to say, I love that you are sharing a lightened version and one that's got all the flavors. Love that!!

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    1. Thanks Monica, this time of year we seem to go back and forth from comfort food and light food, lol.

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  6. That's a company I would support for sure. How lucky you got some rain. Mardi Gras will mark the countdown for our trip to Rome for Easter.

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  7. Your gumbo looks like a grrrrreat way to celebrate Mardi Gras...Love that Bayou Black seasoning is nonGMO =)

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    1. Thanks Kim, I'm in love with their seasonings and the way that they give back;)

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  8. This spice sounds wonderful! Love your lighter version of gumbo too - perfect for this time of year!

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    1. Thanks Tricia, their spices are very fresh and delicious.

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  9. Your gumbo looks fantastic and I like the spice mix.

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    1. Thanks Gerlinde, hope you are not having any problems with all the rains where you live. Take care!

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    2. Cheri, it has been wild here. I'm glad I don't have to commute to work. It is a nightmare. Fortunately I didn't loose my electricity like my neighbors. We had several trees come down but not on our roof and nobody got hurt.

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    3. Thank goodness your okay, we've been watching the news and the flooding looks overwhelming.

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  10. Gumbo is awesome and your version sounds very tasty, Cheri! The spice sounds good too. This is a perfect Mardi Gras dish!

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  11. Oh Cheri, I have not had a good gumbo for ages...and I remember how delicious it can be...the spice that you used sounds really awesome...thanks for sharing the post.
    Have a great week ahead :)

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    1. Thanks Juliana, their spices really are fresh. Have a great week!

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  12. Oh my goodness, Cheri, this looks so delicious. I haven't had gumbo in ages either and I have to wonder why because we absolutely love it! A great recipe and love that it's lightened up. Sharing :)

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  13. Cheri: I always enjoy your description of life in the dessert as much as I do your recipes. I can feel the rain and smell your garden. The gumbo looks awesome and perfect. Thank you so much. D

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  14. Love the sound of this spice sounds wonderful! I have never had gumbo before but looking at the ingredients I can tell I would love this. This sounds perfect for this time of the year.

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    1. Thanks Anu, I have never had an authentic bowl of gumbo but I really enjoyed this.

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  15. LOVE gumbo. And it's the season for it, isn't it? This looks terrific -- loads of flavor. And at this time of the year, frozen okra is the only okra that I'll buy -- I think you really do need to buy this fresh only during the summer. Good recipe -- thanks.

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    1. Thanks John, I did buy the frozen okra and both my husband and I enjoyed it very much. Will have to try the fresh this summer.

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  16. Cheri, my mouth is watering! Love the flavors! And this cajun seasoning looks terrific!

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  17. YUM Your gumbo sounds amazing! And I love that the spice company gives back to the community. Very impressive.

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    1. Thanks Liz, yes, I think it's great that they give back, plus they have a wonderful product.

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  18. Your gumbo recipe looks great, Cheri. Love a lightened version.

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  19. Looks great--I am going to have to try this. I have been missing gumbo lately but my recipe requires pre-making a big batch of sofrito and I need something easier. All the better if it is lighter too!

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    1. Hi Inger, I bet your recipe is wonderful too, anything with a sofrito......

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  20. Glad to know about Legion of Spice, Cheri! Love your gumbo recipe - will need to try it soon!

    Wasn't that rainy weekend wonderful? We made soup, sat by the fire, and enjoyed "smelling the rain" every time we went out to get more wood.

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    1. Hi David, yes it was incredible, love all the rain we are getting this morning too. The desert is becoming very green here.

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  21. This gumbo sounds delicious! It's great that it's lower calorie, too! :)

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    1. Thanks Nancy, you don't even miss the carolies with all the flavor.

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  22. I have hared about this before but did not have any idea..Thanks for sharing..if I can manage the ingredients here ..will surely makr

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  23. Have a special love for cajun food. Your light gumbo looks simply delicious... a real must try!

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  24. Oh my goodness, this looks amazing! I love that it's lightened up.

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  25. i love the flavors of gumbo, but much to my chagrin, it often includes shrimp or crawfish which i detest. your recipe is perfect for me!

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    1. Thanks Grace, gumbo can be so versatile. Have a great week-end.

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  26. I've never had gumbo, but I know I would love a bowl! It looks delicious!

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  27. Cheri, I've only made homemade gumbo once and I'm happy to have your recipe! I want a big bowl right now! I will definitely be visiting the website for that spice mix. Love that the product is all natural and that the company contributes to the community :)

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  28. I've also never had gumbo before and this gives me inspiration of what to cook for cold winter nights that I'm having at the moment in Australia

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