Chicken & Sausage Gumbo

Directions

Cook sausage in a Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring constantly, 5 minutes or until browned.

Drain on paper towels, reserving drippings in Dutch oven.

Set sausage aside.

Cook chicken in reserved drippings in Dutch oven over medium heat 5 minutes or until browned.

Remove to paper towels, reserving drippings in Dutch oven.

Set chicken aside.

Add enough oil to drippings in Dutch oven to measure ½ cup.

Add flour, and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 20 to 25 minutes, or until roux is chocolate colored.

Stir in onion, bell pepper, and celery; cook, stirring often, 8 minutes or until tender.

Gradually add 2 quarts hot water, and bring mixture to a boil; add chicken, garlic, and next 5 ingredients.

Reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 1 hour. Remove chicken; let cool.

Add sausage to gumbo; cook 30 minutes.

Stir in green onions; cook for 30 more minutes.

Bone chicken, and cut meat into strips; return chicken to gumbo, and simmer 5 minutes.

Remove and discard bay leaves.

Remove gumbo from heat.

Sprinkle with filé powder, if desired.

Serve over hot cooked rice.

Garnish, if desired.